Weather Drones, Ghost Sharks & Prison Smuggling | August 26, 2024

Weekly Wings: DroneLife.com

In this insightful episode of the Weekly Wings podcast, Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry, and Terry Neff bring you the latest in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology and its impact across various sectors. The episode kicks off with a detailed look at how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is leveraging advanced drones to improve wildfire weather forecasting. These drones are designed to gather crucial atmospheric data in real-time, offering a glimpse into the future of disaster management - https://www.denver7.com/news/wildfire/noaa-using-new-drone-to-gather-crucial-weather-information-during-active-wildfires

The discussion then shifts to the University of Memphis, which has secured significant funding to develop a cutting-edge UAS testing facility. This new center will push the boundaries of drone capabilities, particularly in adverse weather conditions, setting the stage for future military and commercial applications - https://www.memphisflyer.com/university-of-memphis-secures-30m-contract-to-develop-drone-testing-facility

In a fascinating tech spotlight, the team explores the "Ghost Shark," an autonomous undersea vehicle developed by Anduril Industries. This formidable submarine drone is poised to revolutionize undersea warfare and surveillance, showcasing the rapidly evolving landscape of military technology - https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/08/23/us-ghost-shark-submarine-drone/

The episode also covers a concerning trend in prison smuggling, where drones have been used to deliver contraband into Georgia prisons over the past five years. The hosts discuss the implications of this illegal activity and the challenges of counter-drone technologies in secure environments -https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/23-indicted-alleged-schemes-smuggle-drugs-phones-georgia-113025806

On a more positive note, the success stories segment highlights two heartwarming rescues: a 93-year-old woman found in Tennessee and a missing child located on Oak Island, North Carolina, both thanks to the quick deployment of drones by local emergency services - https://www.wsmv.com/2024/08/24/missing-93-year-old-woman-found-sumner-county-using-drone/ and https://www.wect.com/2024/08/23/missing-child-found-by-drone-unit-oak-island/

Finally, the regulatory corner dives into the FAA's latest actions, including a waiver granted to Cyberhawk for expanded beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and a detailed breakdown of over $340,000 in civil penalties issued to drone operators for various infractions - https://dronelife.com/2024/08/21/cyberhawk-receives-faa-waiver-for-expanded-u-s-drone-operations/ and https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-proposed-341413-civil-penalties-against-drone-operators#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Federal%20Aviation%20Administration,October%202022%20and%20June%202024.

Key Takeaways:

• NOAA's Innovative Drones: How drones are enhancing wildfire forecasting and disaster management.
• University of Memphis UAS Center: The role of military funding in advancing drone technology for adverse weather conditions.
• Ghost Shark Submarine: The future of autonomous undersea vehicles and their potential impact on military operations.
• Prison Smuggling via Drones: The rise of drone-facilitated contraband deliveries and the need for effective counter-UAS measures.
• Drone-Assisted Rescues: Success stories of drones finding missing individuals in both rural and populated areas.
• FAA Civil Penalties: The implications of recent FAA fines and waivers for the drone industry.