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<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>21 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p><a href="https://windracers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Windracers</strong></span></a>, the low-cost logistics champion, unveiled its next generation of self-flying cargo aircraft, <a href="https://windracers.com/drones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Windracers ULTRA MK2</strong></span></a>, at the ME London hotel in Central London. With double the power output of its predecessor, the Windracers cargo drone brings a 50% increase in useful payload as well as a significant reduction in fuel costs while strengthening its position as the low-cost cargo drone of choice for middle mile logistics.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Windracers ULTRA aircraft, originally conceived to bring down the cost of delivering humanitarian aid to remote communities, is designed and manufactured in the UK and is the most accomplished low-cost heavy lift, long-distance cargo drone available today. Windracers ULTRA is operational today in Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, enabling organizations to transport meaningful payloads to hard-to-reach places quickly, safely and cost-effectively.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The launch of ULTRA MK2 is proof that Windracers has moved rapidly from an idea to a commercial organisation that is meeting the needs of customers today,&rdquo; commented Founder and Group Executive Chairman Stephen Wright.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I am so proud of the Windracers team who have performed phenomenally to bring ULTRA MK2 to market in a very short time period and for ULTRA development over the last eight years. I know the team shares my excitement as we see the operational impact of ULTRA MK2 for our customers to help people around the world.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;From eliminating the need for a pilot to developing a multi-mission platform that is dependable and easy to use and maintain, our ultimate goal is to bring down the cost for the end user,&rdquo; added Simon Thompson, Group CEO of Windracers. &ldquo;In ULTRA MK2, we have halved our operational fuel cost per kilogram and we will find even more efficiency in the future for our customers.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Cx4nhaIRoXn7HsbkE7MBTh6mskOMUyfWalrBcyXr.png" alt="" width="674" height="243" /></p>
<p>The launch event featured interviews of two ULTRA MK2 customers,&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.norceresearch.no/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NORCE</a></strong></span>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://asf-fr.org/en/partenariat-windracers-aviation-sans-frontieres" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aviation Sans Frontieres</a></strong></span>. Rune Storvold, SVP of Observational Systems for NORCE, detailed how ULTRA MK2 will carry two types of radar systems to detect changes to the Antarctic climate. Benoit Gaborit, Head of Mission for Aviation Sans Fronti&egrave;res, spoke of how ULTRA MK2 will, for the first time, integrate a heavy-lift, long-distance drone into the humanitarian aid supply chain to establish a service that can work in rapidly changing conditions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Windracers ULTRA MK2 can take-off, fly and land safely without the need for a remote pilot and with minimal ground operator oversight, whether day, night or in fog. ULTRA MK2 is controlled by its proprietary autopilot system, Windracers Autopilot&trade;, a multi-layered flight control system that is robust against flight control unit failures and sensor failures. ULTRA MK2 includes Windracers Mission Control&trade;, a route planning and aircraft monitoring system with an intuitive interface that requires minimal training.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With the launch of its ULTRA MK2 self-flying cargo aircraft, Windracers further extends its position as the low-cost cargo drone of choice for middle-mile logistics. The robust 10m-wingspan ULTRA MK2 features two 50 hp Hirth F23 engines, doubling the power output of its predecessor. ULTRA MK2 provides a significantly enhanced useful payload of 150kg while halving fuel costs per kg.</p>
<p>The multi-purpose Windracers ULTRA platform can detect, drop and deliver. It has numerous practical applications spanning Mail &amp; Parcel, Humanitarian Assistance, Defence, Medical, and Environmental Protection. Windracers is trusted by organizations with the most exacting standards &ndash; including British Antarctic Survey, Aviation San Fronti&egrave;res, NORCE, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Royal Mail, Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Windracers has completed hundreds of thousands of kilometres of autonomous flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in some of the world&rsquo;s most hostile environments, from Scotland&rsquo;s Orkney Islands to Antarctica. Its UAV has also been conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and supporting resupply for the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2023 as part of the UK Ministry of Defence UAV support programme. The launch of the ULTRA MK2 comes as governments, regulators and logistics companies increasingly recognize the inevitable transition to autonomous flight. The UK Government recently announced a Regulatory Innovation Office to speed up access to new technologies including cargo drones.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
<p><iframe style="width: 681px; height: 383px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HCYPXPJyqfA?si=nB0_lLBtp6IY7BAE" width="681" height="383" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
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Windracers Introduces ULTRA MK2

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>16 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p>While still facing governmental threats to ban the company's drones in the U.S. due to security concerns, the latest geofencing system (GEO) update to <a href="https://www.dji.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI</strong></span></a> firmware now classifies No-Fly Zones as Enhanced Warning Zones.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The change puts the responsibility on drone pilots to acknowledge and obey FAA restricted airspace, rather than have their drones automatically disabled by GPS-controlled "fences" when nearing no-fly areas. Furthermore, the safety warning can be bypassed by the drone pilot.</p>
<p>Of course, this week's <span style="color: #ba372a;"><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/small-drone-smashes-into-super-scooper-aircraft-over-palisades-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>drone collision</strong></a></span> of an unauthorized DJI UAV with a firefighting Super Scooper may put into question whether some drone pilots are capable of following the rules. Drone media site <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://dronexl.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DroneXL</a></strong></span> even when so far as to say:&nbsp;&ldquo;The [Los Angeles] incident highlights a critical weakness in the current drone regulatory framework&mdash;the challenge of enforcing compliance with flight restrictions during emergency operations. While manufacturers like DJI implement technological solutions such as geofencing, the effectiveness of these measures ultimately depends on operator compliance. The Drone Industry must continue to innovate in developing foolproof safety systems while regulators work to enhance enforcement capabilities and penalties for violations.&rdquo;</p>
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<p class="u-speakableText-p1"><em><strong>Above photo of the DJI drone that collided with an L.A. County Super Scooper is courtesy of the FBI.</strong></em></p>
<div class="" data-ad-callout="Advertisement"><span style="color: #34495e;">DJI introduced geofencing into its drones in 2013, but now sees the safety feature as redundant.&nbsp;</span></div>
<p>"The FAA has introduced <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a class="c-regularLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="(opens in a new window)" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Remote ID</a></strong></span> requirements, which means that drones flown in the US must broadcast the equivalent of a 'license plate' for drones," said the company in a statement. "This requirement went into effect in early 2024, providing authorities with the tools needed to enforce existing rules."</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI's Official Blog on the GEO Change</strong></span></h5>
<p>Perhaps anticipating the obivous security and compliance questions, DJI posted a comprehensive explanation on its official blog. We have provided the DJI content in its entirety below...</p>
<p>"Earlier this week, we <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://viewpoints.dji.com/blog/geo-system-update?hsLang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced an update</a></strong></span> to the DJI geofencing system (GEO) in which prior DJI geofencing datasets in most of our consumer and enterprise drone products in the United States (U.S.) will be replaced with official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data," said the blogpost.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"We first introduced the GEO system in 2013, at a time when consumer drones were still a relatively novel technology and formal drone flight rules and regulations were sparse. This voluntary initiative helped foster responsible flight practices and provided valuable user education. Having been in place for over a decade, we understand why there are mixed sentiments surrounding this change.</p>
<p>"However, some concerning reactions circulating online are either categorically false or seek to politicize this update given the current geopolitical climate. We want to take this opportunity to dispute the misinformation and set the record straight.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">FACT 1: Politics does not drive safety decisions at DJI.</span>&nbsp;</strong>For over a decade, DJI has led the drone industry in safety, making&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://viewpoints.dji.com/blog/raising-standards-an-update-on-djis-elevating-safety-drone-safety-plan?hsLang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">several unprecedented commitments and investments</a></strong></span>&nbsp;to integrate advanced safety systems into our drones - often ahead of regulatory requirements and without being prompted by competitors. To suggest that this update is linked to the current political environment in the U.S. is not only false but also dangerous. Politicizing safety serves no one.&nbsp;We encourage discussions and comments to remain focused on technological facts and evidence. To understand the true reasons behind this update, read on.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>FACT 2: Aviation regulators around the world&mdash;including the FAA&mdash;have advanced the principle of operator responsibility. This GEO update aligns with and respects this principle.</strong></span>&nbsp;Similar updates to the GEO system<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dji.com/gr/newsroom/news/dji-updates-to-its-geo-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;began in the European Union (EU) last year</a></strong></span>, with no evidence of increased risk. We had planned to roll this update in the U.S. months ago but delayed the implementation to ensure the update would work properly. To add, over a decade has passed since DJI introduced the GEO system and regulators have not chosen to mandate geofencing, instead opting for solutions like&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Remote ID</a></strong></span>&nbsp;(which requires drones to broadcast the equivalent of a "license plate"),&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LAANC</a></strong></span>&nbsp;(automated drone flight approvals in controlled airspace near airports) and community-based training.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">FACT 3: The GEO system has always been an educational - not an enforcement - tool. The GEO system has also not been removed; warning zones and in-app alerts remain in place to continue educating pilots on safe flight operations.</span>&nbsp;</strong>This change gives back control to operators and provides them the information they need to fly safely.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>DJI remains committed to promoting safe and responsible flight practices and will continue its community education efforts, reminding pilots to always ensure their flights are conducted safely and in accordance with all local laws and regulations.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>FACT 4: In addition to aligning with the FAA&rsquo;s operator responsibility-led principles, the update to &ldquo;Enhanced Warning Zones&rdquo; provides two operator benefits:&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Reduced operational delays for pilots.</strong></span>&nbsp;<span style="color: #34495e;">The previous "No Fly Zones" (NFZs) often placed an unnecessary burden on operators. While a user could receive instantaneous approval through&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/data_exchange">LAANC</a></strong></span>&nbsp;to fly, they were still required to submit an application to DJI and wait for manual review and an unlocking license. This process could result in missed opportunities, delayed operations, or unnecessary waiting times. This was especially challenging for commercial operators, drone businesses - and most critically - public safety agencies performing lifesaving work, where delays are simply unacceptable.</span><br /><br /></li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">Improved consistency with official FAA data</span>.</strong>&nbsp;<span style="color: #34495e;">Previously, the global geofencing system relied on ICAO Annex 14 configurations for airspace around airports, which did not always align with official FAA data. This mismatch caused confusion among operators unsure about where it was safe to fly. By displaying official FAA data, this update ensures operators can view airspace as the FAA intends, clearly understanding where they can and cannot fly.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>"We hope this explanation clarifies the real reasons behind the update to the GEO system: an opportunity to align with regulatory principles, empower customers with greater control, and provide them with accurate, official information to confidently operate their drones within safe and permitted airspace."</p>
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DJI Removes No-Fly Zones

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>14 January 2025</em></span></p>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Reflecting the growing momentum of its advanced AI-sensing radar solutions,&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><u><a id="OWAc6a68230-4020-42c4-6185-0451ac256251" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="http://www.matrixspace.com/" href="http://www.matrixspace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">MatrixSpace</a></u></strong></span>&nbsp;has appointed <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-boyd-3137653/&nbsp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wes Boyd</a></strong></span> as Vice President and General Manager of Radar Systems. He will lead radar system products and operations to accelerate the company&rsquo;s growth domestically and internationally. &nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Wes joins MatrixSpace from a 24-year career at Skyworks Solutions, a leading global RF Semiconductor company where he was Vice President of Connectivity. He brings a consistent track record of building new product businesses and growing them to large scale in complex RF products.</div>
<div aria-hidden="true">&nbsp;</div>
<div>MatrixSpace is a leader in AI-enabled sensing solutions. Products combine cutting-edge radar sensors, other sensor types, and AI edge processing to sense, detect, and classify objects in any outdoor situation.</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Quote from Greg Waters, CEO MatrixSpace</strong></span></h5>
<div>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re proud to add the talent and experience of Wes Boyd to an already formidable leadership team. This year begins a sharp growth trajectory for MatrixSpace, and we have the bench strength across multiple disciplines to deliver it strongly.&rdquo;</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Quote from Wes Boyd, Vice President and General Manager of Radar Systems, MatrixSpace</strong></span></h5>
<div>&ldquo;MatrixSpace is setting new standards in advanced radar innovations, addressing a range of use cases previously thought impossible. This makes it an exciting time to join the team and play a significant role in helping to take it to the next level of growth and innovation.&rdquo;</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About MatrixSpace</strong></span></h5>
<div>MatrixSpace products allow customers to detect more and decide faster, in any type of outdoor environment. Our AI sensing can go anywhere, no cloud required.&nbsp;</div>
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MatrixSpace Appoints Radar System Business Unit Lead

<p><span style="color: #34495e;"><strong><em>Above photo courtesy Joby Aviation</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>13 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.delta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Delta Air Lines</strong></span></a> is betting big on air taxis&mdash;and the future of flight&mdash;given its partnership with <a href="https://www.jobyaviation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Joby Aviation</strong></span></a> to develop an all-electric vertical take-off aircraft (eVTOL).</p>
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/4145/fbn/desk/art/media/lb2_0__container__"><span style="color: #34495e;">At CES 2025, Delta CEO Ed Bastian unveiled the basic plan for the airline's home-to-airport air taxi service.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #34495e;">"You'll start to see them in the sky in the next couple of years," he said. "Joby have gone through all the certification processes. The FAA, by the way, has been a huge supporter of bringing that mobility service to the sky, because they realize the issue is what's on the ground and all the congestion that's that's down there. So, our ability to work with Joby really impressed with the technology. I think they are the leader in the space."&nbsp;</span></div>
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<div class="m"><span style="color: #34495e;">Throughout a years-long testing phase, Joby has been working with the FAA to certify its eVTOL for commercial use. As of press time, the company reports it has completed three out of five stages for air taxi certification with the FAA.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #34495e;">Bastian also shared some thoughts regarding how air taxis could reduce travel times and conventional land-traffic congestion.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="color: #34495e;">"You can take a Joby from, say, Westchester County in New York, and land at JFK," he visualized. "That would take approximately two hours on the road. In an air taxi, you can do it in 15 minutes and be right inside a Delta SkyMiles club. Your next stop is inside your plane."</span></div>
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<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
<p><iframe style="width: 661px; height: 372px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kUZDaveX3Lg?si=g94BF1XKONwWsCwt" width="661" height="372" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
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Delta Air Lines Partners with Joby Aviation to Make Air Taxis

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>10 January 2025</em></span></p>
<div><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;"><u><a id="OWA4b7ea881-8851-aea5-b0a1-4985ecfb7806" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://aero.und.edu/" href="https://aero.und.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences</a></u></span>&nbsp;</strong>(UND Aerospace) has entered a one-year partnership with <a href="https://vigilantaerospace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Vigilant Aerospace Systems</strong></span></a>&nbsp;to utilize the company&rsquo;s drone safety software and airspace management system <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a href="https://vigilantaerospace.com/products-services-overview/flighthorizon-commander/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FlightHorizon</a>.</strong></span> A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed late last year to formalize the agreement.</div>
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<div>As part of the agreement, Vigilant Aerospace will provide training for UND Aerospace students and faculty, with full integration of FlightHorizon into the program&rsquo;s operations and research expected by summer. Further, the initiative aligns with UND Aerospace&rsquo;s commitment to advancing UAS traffic management (UTM) and C-UAS measures, areas increasingly relevant in light of recent drone sightings near critical infrastructure in New Jersey.</div>
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<div>FlightHorizon utilizes NASA-patented technology to provide detect-and-avoid (DAA) alerts during BVLOS operations. By integrating multiple sensors, machine learning and data sources, the software delivers real-time situational awareness to allow operators to proactively identify nearby aircraft and avoid potential collisions through visual and auditory alerts.</div>
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<div>This collaboration comes as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prepares to release new rules for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations and demonstrates UND Aerospace&rsquo;s commitment to working with industry leaders to safely operate and equip students with the skills to lead in the rapidly evolving UAS field.</div>
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<div><strong>Paul Snyder</strong></div>
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<div><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><u><a id="OWAe98fac03-cf35-7ccc-302b-74556f067991" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://campus.und.edu/directory/paul.snyder" href="https://campus.und.edu/directory/paul.snyder" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Paul Snyder</a></u></strong></span>, director of&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><u><a id="OWA828b9bed-557c-3c29-878d-b12ea1dca356" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://und.edu/programs/unmanned-aircraft-system-operations-bs-aero/index.html" href="https://und.edu/programs/unmanned-aircraft-system-operations-bs-aero/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">UND&rsquo;s UAS program</a></u></strong></span>&nbsp;said the technology complements UND Aerospace&rsquo;s existing suite of counter autonomy and UAS (C-UAS) tools, including 360-degree day/night cameras and radar systems made by the US-based company DeTect Inc.</div>
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<div>&ldquo;The software that Vigilant Aerospace provides can easily integrate with the hardware that we&rsquo;re using and will create a common operating picture that enables us to fuse hardware and data from DeTect radars and other sensors into one screen,&rdquo; Snyder said.</div>
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<div>The MOU also includes a joint effort to submit FlightHorizon to the FAA&rsquo;s Near-Term Approval Process for UTM services and pursue funding opportunities for C-UAS and UTM technologies.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;UND Aerospace educates some of the nation&rsquo;s most competitive aviation and UAS students and is one of the most accomplished and best equipped research centers for autonomous aviation in the country,&rdquo; said Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace. &ldquo;We are excited to be entering into this new collaboration to support their operational and educational missions and advance the industry overall.&rdquo;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>According to Snyder, the one-year agreement sets the stage for a mutually beneficial partnership.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;Our hope is that we can grow together within this ever-changing field of UAS and autonomous technology. Vigilant Aerospace can continue to expand their product&rsquo;s capability, and we can continue to be on the cutting edge of education, training and research.&rdquo;</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About UND Aerospace</strong></span></h5>
<div class="x_elementToProof">UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 2,100+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About Vigilant Aerospace Systems</strong></span></h5>
<div>Vigilant Aerospace is the leading developer of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drones). We enable safe and scalable autonomous flight, beyond visual line of sight. Customers include NASA, the FAA, the U.S. Department of Defense and a variety of drone development programs.</div>

UND Aerospace partners with Vigilant Aerospace Systems

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>09 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p class="title"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dji.com/media-center/announcements/matrice-4-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>From DJI.com Media Center</strong></a></span></p>
<div class="subtitle"><a href="https://www.dji.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI</strong></span></a>, the global leader in civil drones and creative camera technology, today introduces the <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI Matrice 4 Series</strong></span> as the company&rsquo;s new compact flagship enterprise drone series. Launching with the Matrice 4T and Matrice 4E, these new intelligent multi-sensor compact drones feature advanced capabilities such as smart detection and laser range finder measurement. With an AI computing platform and significantly enhanced sensing capabilities, flight operations with these drones will be even safer and more reliable than ever before.</div>
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<p>&ldquo;With the Matrice 4 Series, DJI is ushering in a new era of intelligent aerial operations. In equipping our industry-leading enterprise drones with AI, search and rescue teams can save lives faster,&rdquo; said Christina Zhang, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at DJI. &ldquo;Moreover, the intelligent features in the Matrice 4 Series will be raised to a new level, enabling enterprise drones to better address the escalating operational demands in different complex scenarios.&rdquo;</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Multiple Intelligent Sensors for Detailed Night or Day Visuals and Precision Mapping&nbsp;</strong></span></h5>
<p>The DJI Matrice 4 Series features a medium tele camera and a tele camera. With the optical 70mm medium telephoto lens (1/1.3 CMOS, 48MP, f/2.8), screws and cracks can be identified in medium-range inspections for power lines and bridges from a distance of 10 meters. For longer-range inspections, the 168mm telephoto lens (1/1.5 CMOS, 48 MP, f/2.8) can capture incredible details from up to 250 meters away.&nbsp;Additionally, the&nbsp;laser&nbsp;range&nbsp;finder can measure distances from 1,800 meters away.</p>
<p>The<strong>&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;">DJI Matrice 4T</span></strong>&nbsp;can serve various industries, from emergency response and public safety to energy management. The infrared thermal camera supports High-Res Mode up to 1280x1024 pixels, while the NIR auxiliary light can illuminate distances 100 meters away. Other notable modules include a 24mm wide-angle lens (1/1.3 CMOS, 48MP, f/1.7) and an IR-Cut Filter for clear visuals day and night.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI Matrice 4E</strong></span><span dir="LTR">&nbsp;is designed&nbsp;</span>for surveying, mapping, construction, and inspections. High-speed aerial surveying from multiple angles can be done with the 24mm wide-angle lens (4/3 CMOS, 20MP, f/2.8-f/11) with a mechanical shutter. It supports rapid 0.5-second interval shooting in orthophoto and oblique photography modes with mapping flight speeds reaching up to 21 meters per second. With&nbsp;Smart 3D Capture, rough models&nbsp;and precise mapping routes can be generated&nbsp;on the remote controller, allowing&nbsp;for detailed measurements of irregular buildings. It&nbsp;can&nbsp;also display virtual space routes and waypoint photos, enhancing flight safety assessment and coverage area analysis.&nbsp;</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Intelligent Aerial Support for Search and Rescue Missions</strong></span></h5>
<div>
<p class="p" align="justify"><span dir="LTR">The Matrice 4 Series serves as a second pair of eyes during search and rescue missions. Vehicles and vessels can be quickly detected from a distance, even in difficult terrain. The drones can be flown on cruise control, allowing searches to maintain a consistent speed and freeing pilots to multitask. When paired with the DJI Pilot 2 app, the Matrice 4 Series can visualize on a map what ground area has already been observed based on the camera's field of view and without needing an obvious landmark -- helping to ensure no area is missed.</span>&nbsp;Furthermore, new applications for drones can be developed now that DJI offers model training tools and access to onboard computing capabilities to certified third-party developers.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Excellent Visuals in Complex Environments</strong></span></h5>
<div>
<p align="justify"><span class="p">The Matrice 4 Series makes extensive upgrades to night mode &ndash; a key capability for nighttime wildlife protection efforts and search and rescue missions. With larger apertures and intelligent low-light capabilities, the cameras on the Matrice 4T and Matrice 4E allow for better performance during dusk and nighttime lighting. They also have six high-definition low-light fisheye lenses, significantly enhancing visual low-light positioning, allowing for automatic obstacle avoidance, intelligent rerouting, and safe return in urban low-light environments. In case of fog, haze, or high humidity, Electronic Dehazing can improve the imaging clarity of the Matrice 4 series to match different operational environments and requirements.</span></p>
<div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>New Accessories for Efficiency and Adaptability</strong></span></h5>
<div>
<p align="justify"><span class="p">The Matrice 4 Series upgrades accessories for more efficiency and adaptable operations. The DJI AL1 SpotLight can clearly illuminate subjects even from 100 meters away, supporting both always-on and strobe modes. It also offers enhanced coverage in wide-angle modes. Meanwhile, the DJI AS1 Speaker delivers powerful audio, broadcasting up to 300 meters and reaching 114 decibels at 1 meter.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span class="p">Further elevating operations, the D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station&nbsp;supports drones with centimeter-level positioning accuracy, extending image transmission through signal relays at elevated altitudes and facilitating high-precision data collection in network-free areas.&nbsp;Additionally, it can also be used to mark ground control points.</span></p>
<div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Smarter and Safer Flights for Worry-Free Operations</strong></span></h5>
<p align="justify"><span class="p">DJI's self-developed RTK module comes standard in the Matrice 4 Series, providing comprehensive visibility for enhanced safety. The standard configuration includes a 5-directional vision assist view along with a downward vision. Pilots can take off within 15 seconds during emergencies and update return-to-home points through visual positioning even without GNSS signals. If connected with the Internet, the remote controller can download terrain obstacle details and detailed offline maps. This enables automatic path planning for obstacle avoidance helping pilots navigate at night or through mountainous areas.</span></p>
<div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Industry-Leading Privacy Controls</strong></span></h5>
<p align="justify"><span class="p">DJI places the highest priority on data privacy &ndash; and puts customers in control of their data. Users must opt-in to share photos and videos with DJI, and US-based users no longer have the option to sync their flight logs with DJI servers. For heightened data security needs or those flying sensitive missions, Local Data Mode can be activated to sever the DJI Pilot 2 flight control app's connection with the Internet. This prevents unintentional syncing of photos, videos or flight logs with external servers. Any personal data shared for account registration is further secured with AES-256 encryption. Operators can easily delete any data they have shared through their DJI account or by c</span>ontacting DJI Support. Since 2017, we have regularly submitted our products for third-party security audits and certification, includin<span class="p">g&nbsp;</span><a href="https://terra-1-g.djicdn.com/851d20f7b9f64838a34cd02351370894/trust-center/BOOZ%20ALLEN%20HAMILTON%20-%20UAS%20COE%20AUDIT%20(2020).pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Booz Allen Hamilton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://security.dji.com/asset/files/2020_09--FTI%20Cybersecurity--Executive%20Summary%20of%20DJI%20Assessment.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span dir="LTR">FTI Consulting</span></a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.dji.com/newsroom/news/independent-study-validates-dji-data-security-practices?workspace=b1e5e019-9bcb-40cc-afef-d2c00f0d0741"><span dir="LTR">&nbsp;Kivu Consulting</span></a>.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI Care Enterprise Plus and DJI Warranty Service</strong></span></h5>
<p align="justify"><span class="p">DJI Care Enterprise Plus, alongside the Official Extended Warranty Service, offers a comprehensive protection plan for the DJI Matrice 4 Series, covering a wide array of accidental damages.</span></p>
<p><span class="p">DJI Care Enterprise Plus includes unlimited free repairs within specified coverage limits.&nbsp;Additionally, it features one-time annual Flyaway Coverage, allowing for worry-free operation, as well as shared coverage for maximum&nbsp;protection with a shared limit. The Exclusive Service guarantees prompt assistance from DJI technical experts, further enhancing user support.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span class="p">Moreover, during the service period, the main components of the product remain covered under the official warranty, extending the overall protection for your investment.</span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

DJI Matrice 4 Series Introduced

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>03 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://www.zenatech.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>ZenaTech, Inc.</strong></span></a>, a technology company specializing in AI drone solutions driven by Quantum Computing, Drones as a Service, and enterprise SaaS, announces that it has signed a lease to open a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone testing facility in Turkey.</p>
<p align="justify">The facility will serve as a product testing site for its subsidiary ZenaDrone&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.zenadrone.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>ZenaDrone 1000 </strong></span></a>model drones designed for the US Defense Branches and NATO. The testing facility will be fully set up and operational during the first quarter of 2025.</p>
<p align="justify">&ldquo;Having a testing facility in Turkey will accelerate the development of our US Defense and NATO models of the ZenaDrone 1000. Importantly it will help to advance our AI drone swarm solutions and the Drone Command Center hub at the heart of missions. Turkey is a favorable European location for experimental drone testing and known for its defense industry innovation and we are grateful to be collaborating there,&rdquo; said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.</p>
<p align="justify">The company will test defense drone applications including ISRT (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting), logistics and transportation, and other applications over wide distances beyond an operator&rsquo;s line of sight. The company will also design and test its Drone Command Center, a mobile room that manages the computers, controls, and communications for multiple drones flying at one time, which it intends to file a patent for in the first quarter of 2025. The site is expected to help provide additional testing and readiness for future US FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) licensing applications.</p>
<p align="justify">A drone command center is a centralized facility or mobile room used to monitor, control, and manage the operations of multiple drones or AI drone swarms in real-time. It acts as the operational hub where drone missions are planned, executed, and monitored, ensuring that drones are collecting data and performing their tasks safely, efficiently, and within regulatory guidelines.</p>
<p align="justify">A drone swarm is a group of autonomous drones that work together, coordinated by algorithms, to perform tasks with dramatically improved speed, efficiency, and coverage. ZenaTech previously announced the Sky Traffic project where ZenaDrone teams will be working on applications for drone swarms, also utilizing Quantum Computing, which will include border control and perimeter security military applications.</p>
<p align="justify">ZenaDrone previously completed paid trials with both the US Air Force and US Naval Research using its drones for carrying critical cargo -- such as blood -- in the field. ZenaDrone plans to manufacture and assemble its US Department of Defense (DoD) drones in Phoenix, Arizona.</p>
<p align="justify">The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous drone, in a quadcopter design with eight rotors, and is considered a medium-sized drone, roughly the size of a boardroom table. It is designed for stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities, incorporating innovative software technology, AI, sensors, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for industrial and defense use.</p>
<p align="justify">ZenaDrone solutions for the US military must be NDAA (National Defense Administration Act) compliant, a requirement with strict drone cybersecurity and country of origin specifications, including chipsets, cameras, and components, which excludes a set list of Chinese manufacturers. The company previously announced that its supply chain is NDAA-compliant.</p>
<p align="justify">The company has also previously announced that it plans to apply for Green UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) followed by Blue UAS certification. The Blue UAS program is a stringent government-approved supplier list of drone companies that wish to do business with the US DoD. The Green UAS program is essentially the same as the Blue UAS program, only it is a more streamlined and faster certification process without the country of origin specifications.</p>
<h5 align="justify"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About ZenaTech</strong></span></h5>
<p align="justify"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" title="ZenaTech" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=PzlOU51Ycgxkb9yImJNH1XzkBJjM9Y6CRZzb75XecGakrO-XQEgyuyRwv-gDkihLZcGdhAAXdGnbvquauy6i4g==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZenaTech</a></strong></span> is a technology company specializing in AI drones, Quantum Computing, Drone as a Service (DaaS), and enterprise SaaS solutions for mission-critical business applications. Since 2017, the company has leveraged its software development expertise and grown its drone design and manufacturing capabilities through ZenaDrone, to innovate and improve customer inspection, monitoring, safety, security, compliance, and surveying processes. With enterprise software customers using branded solutions in law enforcement, government, and industrial sectors, and drones being implemented in these plus agriculture, defense, and logistics sectors, ZenaTech&rsquo;s portfolio of solutions helps drive exceptional operational efficiencies, accuracy and cost savings. The company operates through seven global offices in North America, Europe, Taiwan, and UAE, and is growing a DaaS business model and global partner network.</p>
<h5 align="justify"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About ZenaDrone</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></h5>
<p align="justify"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" title="ZenaDrone" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Y6G-BBq9QdHqNMQr7gejjweZKPjkwmuEvrQgbOhP7awlqPx7AlCc7qbdytO3H1yE1mcghN7wbwQtHVYyiUtQ2g==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZenaDrone</a></strong></span>, a wholly owned subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures autonomous business drone solutions that can incorporate machine learning software, AI, predictive modeling, Quantum Computing, and other software and hardware innovations. Created to revolutionize the hemp farming sector, its specialization has grown to multifunctional drone solutions for industrial surveillance, monitoring, inspection, tracking, process automation and defense applications. Currently, the&nbsp;<a title="ZenaDrone 1000" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Y6G-BBq9QdHqNMQr7gejj2_MsIs1EzUU5V3bo2tfzWDKF-mLSY-0lgFdV5vkhsh9sP7bR__pbAQbcSoyip04iK5Z_Y7xYAY7FUnMWbNTy0axUrN-ZEZ_LMGARTxvfKzD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ZenaDrone 1000</a>&nbsp;drone is used for crop management applications in agriculture and critical field cargo applications in the defense sector, and the&nbsp;<a title="IQ Nano" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=EXb-YIXDXkec_bctuAr5py-0Ds1ic1dn5FwC9NLobib3utaw3mvuQtCzSwe6S4rnS_UromBSk_smPtYfpsPEJ9FoAP2OTIHsUAr1LQ3nE-dViL9MCXzWs_OPkFy-ZZLK" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">IQ Nano</a>&nbsp;indoor drone is used for inventory management in the warehouse and logistics sectors.</p>

ZenaTech Opens BVLOS Drone Testing Facility in Turkey

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>30 December 2024</em></span></p>
<p>While <a href="https://www.dji.com/?from=site-nav" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI</strong></span></a> may still be under some level of threat regarding banning its products in the United States, the Chinese drone mega-company is hardly curtailing its innovations or product upgrades.</p>
<p>For example, check out the leaked specs and other data on the Mavic Pro 4&mdash;thanks to a few of our content friends out there!</p>
<p><iframe style="width: 681px; height: 383px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J5uy7AjTaRw?si=jp_B2skJNC370z9E" width="681" height="383" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe style="width: 679px; height: 382px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yxXScVMc0PA?si=4wnhKzppTvzWvAN4" width="679" height="382" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V_xIxiYLhR8?si=TOdU_jt4QvfcHrpj" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

DJI Mavic 4 Pro Leaked!

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>23 December 2024</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.smartdrone.us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>SmartDrone</strong></span></a>, &ldquo;The U.S.A. Drone Company,"&nbsp; is a shining example of how innovation, insight, and a commitment to problem-solving can disrupt an industry. Founded in 2020 by Rob Cammack and Taylor Dixon, SmartDrone was born out of a desire to address national security concerns, fill gaps in the market, and create revolutionary technology for land surveying and mapping. Today, the company is both a leading American drone manufacturer and a trusted provider of drone services, offering an unparalleled combination of cutting-edge technology and tailored solutions for surveyors, engineers, and developers.</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Identifying the Problem</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/sMfNOTnr6Hx9Z3dSgYJdpwPXRuywkZUb3u0zGnGG.png" alt="" width="681" height="383" /></span></p>
<p><em><strong>Rob Cammack (left) and Taylor Dixon (right) field-testing drones in July 2021.</strong></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SmartDrone&rsquo;s journey began with a clear mission: to fill critical gaps in the drone market while addressing national security concerns. When co-founders Rob Cammack and Taylor Dixon entered the space, they noticed a major issue&mdash;foreign-manufactured drones were being removed from U.S. Navy operations due to security vulnerabilities. This highlighted an urgent need for secure, American-made drone solutions that could meet rigorous standards for performance and reliability.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the same time, they recognized another unmet need in the marketplace. While drones were gaining traction in fields like photography and inspection, there was a noticeable lack of specialized platforms for land surveying and mapping. Surveyors required precise tools to match the accuracy of traditional methods, but most existing drones were generic, not purpose-built for these demanding applications. Rob and Taylor saw an opportunity to create something better&mdash;an American-made drone specifically tailored to the needs of land surveyors.</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Building American-Made Drone Technology</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2020, SmartDrone was officially founded with a bold vision: to create an American-made drone platform capable of transforming the land surveying industry. The company&rsquo;s engineers quickly developed the Discovery, a LiDAR and camera mapping drone designed to provide the accuracy and efficiency surveyors needed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/yHinWBfvvMK4lsmSJBo4plbOkuaR0aapd0EyNEpp.jpg" alt="" width="672" height="354" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But SmartDrone didn&rsquo;t stop there. As the team gathered feedback and identified ways to improve their technology, they iterated on the original Discovery drone, leading to the development of the </span><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.smartdrone.us/products/offerings/mapping-drone-discovery-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discovery 2</a></strong></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and, more recently, the </span><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.smartdrone.us/products/offerings/mapping-drone-discovery-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discovery 3</a></strong></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Each new version is built upon the strengths of its predecessor, incorporating advancements in LiDAR technology, flight performance, and data processing capabilities. Today, the Discovery 3 stands as a testament to SmartDrone&rsquo;s commitment to innovation and quality.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/yG8135MlalJuYw2qDZZ4jFh53bwO4AhSnrfHLgTk.png" alt="" width="704" height="330" /></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Listening to the Industry</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While developing their hardware, Rob and Taylor made it a priority to connect with the professionals they aimed to serve. Rob conducted over 200 interviews with land surveyors to better understand their challenges and concerns.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What he found was surprising. Despite the potential of drones to revolutionize surveying, only 5% of surveyors have ever used drones in their work. Many were hesitant due to high initial costs, limited technical expertise, and concerns about how drones could integrate into their established workflows. This feedback underscored a critical barrier to adoption and presented SmartDrone with an opportunity to do more than sell drones&mdash;it was an opportunity to provide a comprehensive solution.</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Introducing Professional Services</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/1a3RmlabX5abHzEojplV0mCm1ymCzWyugVA6aAOt.jpg" alt="" width="691" height="368" /></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To address adoption barriers among surveyors, SmartDrone expanded beyond selling hardware by launching its </span><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.smartdrone.us/drone-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Professional Services</a></strong></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> department. This initiative is designed for professionals who want the benefits of drone technology without the upfront investment or operational challenges of owning and managing drones.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With Professional Services, SmartDrone handles every aspect of the process&mdash;from flight operations and data collection to processing and delivering actionable outputs like orthomosaics, topographic maps, and volumetric analyses. This turnkey model makes drone technology accessible to surveyors who may lack the time, technical expertise, or resources to operate drones independently.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By combining state-of-the-art hardware with comprehensive services, SmartDrone offers a dual solution: enabling surveyors to integrate drone technology seamlessly, whether they choose to purchase equipment or outsource operations entirely.</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>A Fully Integrated Business</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/S5UYpLb1tyVRQ3SG7lTfD7k5EvkGaRXCI31Vcxaq.png" alt="" width="699" height="393" /></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, SmartDrone is a fully integrated business that offers solutions for clients at any stage of their drone adoption journey. For those ready to invest in their own drone systems, the Discovery 3 provides unparalleled ease of operation, accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. For those who prefer to outsource their drone needs, SmartDrone&rsquo;s Professional Services deliver end-to-end solutions tailored to their unique requirements.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SmartDrone&rsquo;s dual focus has fueled its growth and enabled the company to rapidly expand across the United States. From single-acre orthomosaics in urban areas to expansive 5,000-acre LiDAR scans in rural regions, SmartDrone&rsquo;s work showcases its versatility and expertise.</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Recent Milestones</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SmartDrone continues to grow through strategic decisions that expand its capabilities and reach. In 2024, the company marked a significant milestone by </span><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-smartdrone-acquires-drone-operations-skytec-expanding-uav-service-/2024/12/03/10114941.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acquiring Skytec, LLC&rsquo;s drone operations</a></strong></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This acquisition not only broadened SmartDrone&rsquo;s service offerings but also strengthened its position as a leader in the land surveying and mapping industry.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition, SmartDrone launched an </span><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.startengine.com/offering/smartdrone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">equity crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine</a></strong></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, giving investors the opportunity to be part of the American Drone Revolution. With investments starting at just $260.76, the campaign invites individuals to join SmartDrone&rsquo;s journey of innovation and growth.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These milestones reflect SmartDrone&rsquo;s commitment to scaling operations while maintaining its focus on quality and customer success. As the company continues to evolve, its mission remains the same: to revolutionize land surveying with cutting-edge technology and tailored solutions.</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>The Importance of Education and Training for Drone Adoption</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/o1copLPu6ACa3eNH2mrJY1MtWOoYZ3rf4XEReRHn.jpg" alt="" width="690" height="335" /></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the most significant barriers to drone adoption in the land surveying industry is the lack of education and training available to professionals. Many surveyors and engineers are intrigued by the potential of drones but are hesitant to invest in the technology without understanding how to effectively use it in their workflows. Recognizing this gap, SmartDrone has made education and training a cornerstone of its approach to empowering customers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SmartDrone provides comprehensive training programs for clients who purchase their Discovery drones, ensuring they are fully equipped to operate the technology and integrate it into their existing processes. From flight operations to data processing, these programs are designed to help professionals maximize the value of their investments. The training emphasizes practical applications, showing surveyors how to use drones to increase efficiency and accuracy in their work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally, SmartDrone actively participates in industry events, conferences, and webinars to educate a broader audience about the benefits of drone technology. These efforts focus on dispelling misconceptions and demonstrating how drones can complement traditional surveying methods, not replace them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By prioritizing education, SmartDrone not only helps professionals overcome technical barriers but also builds trust within the industry. This approach has been instrumental in driving adoption among surveyors who may otherwise view drones as too complex or disruptive. For SmartDrone, education isn&rsquo;t just an added service&mdash;it&rsquo;s a vital part of their mission to revolutionize land surveying and mapping through technology.</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>A Vision for the Future</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/2GbvYWKuooK5LUS3krUAC2pwVgRzF3weR9xac7UU.png" alt="" width="679" height="340" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As SmartDrone continues to grow, its mission remains unchanged: to revolutionize land surveying and mapping through cutting-edge technology and tailored services. The company&rsquo;s dedication to innovation, collaboration, and customer success sets it apart as a leader in the drone industry.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From its origins as a bold idea to its current status as an industry pioneer, SmartDrone is driven by a simple yet powerful vision: to empower professionals with the tools and services they need to succeed. Whether it&rsquo;s through the advanced capabilities of Discovery 3 or the comprehensive support of its Professional Services department, SmartDrone is shaping the future of land surveying&mdash;one project at a time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For surveyors, engineers, and developers across the country, SmartDrone isn&rsquo;t just a technology provider. It&rsquo;s a partner in progress, offering secure, American-made solutions that make a difference.</span></p>

The Origins of SmartDrone

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>19 December 2024</em></span></p>
<p align="justify"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.silynxcom.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silynxcom Ltd.</a></strong></span>, a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices, announced today its latest innovative product aimed at boosting situational awareness and safety for armored personnel carrier (&ldquo;APC&rdquo;) crews and other heavy military vehicles. This technology addresses a critical challenge on the modern battlefield: detecting the distinct and potentially life-threatening drone humming while simultaneously maintaining hearing protection in high-noise environments.</p>
<p align="justify">Military crews operating within armored vehicles rely on specialized headsets to communicate effectively amidst the overwhelming noise generated by vehicle engines and live weaponry. These headsets facilitate internal and external communication.</p>
<p align="justify">Current technology utilizes ANR (&ldquo;Active Noise Reduction&rdquo;). This technology employed in headsets, customarily used in civilian environments, such as commercial airliners or trains, can reduce repetitive noises, such as the APC vehicle engine.</p>
<p align="justify">As the battlefield evolves, this characteristic of ANR headsets may lead to the blocking of certain sounds that ought to be detected, such as the faint buzz of an approaching drone, a sound that could signal an imminent threat.</p>
<p align="justify">Silynxcom&rsquo;s new APC headset integrates advanced auditory technology to allow for hearing protection from continuous and sudden sounds, while facilitating the selective amplification of certain environmental sounds, such as drone noise.</p>
<p align="justify">The new headset is compatible with the most popular APC intercom and radio systems, such as plug and play, allowing for seamless upgrade of existing systems.</p>
<p align="justify">The product was developed in collaboration with a leading global player in the industry and has undergone successful field tests with one of the world&rsquo;s most advanced military forces.</p>
<p align="justify">&ldquo;Silynxcom continues to innovate and adjust to modern threats to hearing protection by innovating new solutions for military and tactical applications,&rdquo; said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. &ldquo;This latest advancement demonstrates our dedication to addressing evolving battlefield challenges and enhancing the capabilities of modern military forces.&rdquo;</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About&nbsp;Silynxcom&nbsp;Ltd.</strong></span></h5>
<p align="justify">Silynxcom Ltd. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Company&rsquo;s in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations, weapons training courses, and on the factory floor. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers in leading military and law enforcements units. The Company&rsquo;s In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360&deg; situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Company&rsquo;s products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers &ldquo;in the field.&rdquo; The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers.</p>

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