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Oct 21

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Department of Transportation

State DOTs Expand Drone Programs, Transforming Infrastructure Management

Alabama’s Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has launched a formal drone program that signals the growing maturation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) deployment across state transportation agencies. The initiative, which places dedicated personnel in charge of drone operations, represents a shift from experimental projects to systematic integration of UAS technology into core infrastructure mana

Haye KestelooJan 1

United States

Marine Corps Invests $400M in Cutting-Edge Anti-Drone Tech

The U.S. Marine Corps is stepping up its game in the ongoing battle against rogue drones. In a recent announcement, the Marine Corps Systems Command awarded a hefty $400 million contract to Huntsville-based Invariant and California’s Anduril for a state-of-the-art Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Engagement System. Big Bucks for Drone Defense This isn’t your average military…

Haye KestelooOct 18

DJI

Drone Technology Revolutionizes Crop Spraying at Historic Alabama Farm

Peinhardt Living History Farm in Cullman, Alabama, has embraced cutting-edge drone technology for crop protection, partnering with Sky Spray, a new local business according to The Cullman Times. High-Tech Solution for Traditional Agriculture Sky Spray, co-founded by retired Assistant Cullman Police Chief Jason Mickle and Chris Thrasher, utilizes a DJI Agras T40 spray drone for…

Haye KestelooAug 25

Police

Tuscaloosa Considers Drone Program for First Responders

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is considering a groundbreaking proposal to incorporate drones into its first responder operations. Mayor Walt Maddox has presented a plan to the city council that would establish a dedicated drone team to enhance public safety efforts, according to WBRC. Rapid Response Capability The proposed drone system would be under the command of the…

Haye KestelooAug 23

Alabama

Flying Drones Over Alabama Prisons Now a Felony

In a move to combat the growing issue of contraband being smuggled into prisons via drones, Alabama has enacted a law making it a Class C felony to operate an unmanned aircraft over a prison. This legislation, reportedly sponsored by Rep. Matt Simpson, aims to address the significant increase in such incidents over the past…

Haye KestelooJun 10

Air Photography

Drone Magic at the 2024 NCAA Women’s College World Series

The 2024 NCAA Women’s College World Series kicked off in Oklahoma City, and ESPN is bringing an impressive production, including some drone magic, to Devon Park. This five-day, eight-team double-elimination tournament features Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Oklahoma State, UCLA, Stanford, Duke, and Alabama, and will be broadcast across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+. High-Flying Tech: Drones…

Haye KestelooJun 1

FAA

Man Faces Jail for Flying Drone Over Hangout Fest: Here’s Why It’s Illegal

Arrest at Hangout Fest for Drone Flight A 25-year-old man from Foley, Alabama is facing jail time after flying his drone over Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, violating local laws, reports AL.com. The arrest highlights the legal restrictions on drone flights over public beaches and event venues. Illegal Drone Flights Detective Carl Wittstruck of the…

Haye KestelooMay 25

Ukraine

Mystery Sea Drone Found in Black Sea: U.S. Boat with Soviet Warhead

A puzzling maritime drone has been discovered in Romanian waters of the Black Sea. The capsized vessel combines a U.S.-built hull with a massive Soviet-era Russian warhead, sparking questions about its origin and purpose, reports Naval News. Discovery and Destruction The unusual uncrewed surface vessel (USV) was found floating upside down on April 3, 2024.…

Haye KestelooApr 8

Alabama

The drone industry moves fast. Stay ahead of it.