UAV News Talk – Drone News, eVTOLs, UAS Policy & Air Mobility

In episode 430 of UAV News Talk, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof return from vacation with urgent news and safety concerns in the drone industry. The episode opens with a major headline: the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is not available in the United States. Although the drone boasts high-end specs—including a 6K camera and improved flight performance—it’s currently unavailable in the U.S. due to concerns about data security and alleged ties between DJI and the Chinese government.The ban stems from a long-standing effort by U.S. government agencies to restrict the use of DJI drones, especially after reports emerged that some DJI models were transmitting sensitive data back to China. The Pentagon, in particular, flagged DJI as a national security risk. In light of this, many online resellers and websites claiming to sell the Mavic 4 Pro may be scams. Max warns of fake DJI websites offering steep discounts, unauthorized sellers providing units without warranty coverage, and used drones that are “bricked” due to being locked to previous owners' DJI accounts. Buyers are urged to verify the source before purchasing any DJI drone—especially when new models are not officially available.Next, the discussion shifts to drone battery fires, a serious issue affecting both hobbyist and commercial UAV operators. Max highlights a recent vehicle fire in Mountain View, California, caused by a drone battery left charging on the passenger seat of a truck. Though the fire was extinguished quickly and injuries were minor, it serves as a critical reminder of the dangers associated with charging LiPo (lithium polymer) batteries in enclosed or flammable environments.In a separate and more devastating incident, a house in Kenosha County, Wisconsin was completely destroyed by a fire linked to drone batteries charging unattended. Tragically, several pets were lost in the blaze. According to reports, the batteries were connected to a newly purchased six-foot drone, and the homeowner had left them charging for hours while away from home. The episode underscores the importance of charging drone batteries only in safe, monitored locations—preferably on a non-flammable surface such as concrete and never inside unattended vehicles or homes.From fire hazards to electric flight innovation, Max and David then explore the historic cross-Atlantic flight of Beta Technologies’ Alia electric aircraft. The Beta Alia CX300, a fixed-wing eVTOL aircraft, is currently touring Europe and made headlines for flying across the Irish Sea under VFR rules. Its final destination is Bristow Helicopters in Norway, a company known for operating offshore flights to oil platforms.The Alia’s 250-nautical-mile range—significantly farther than most other electric VTOL aircraft—positions it as a promising alternative to traditional helicopters. Max notes that replacing helicopters for short regional missions is one of the most realistic and cost-effective early use cases for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The Beta Alia also features fixed wings to improve lift and efficiency during cruise, giving it a hybrid profile that blends characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters.In defense-related drone news, the episode also covers the U.S. Department of Defense’s recent unveiling of two

Episode 429 marks a major milestone for the podcast formerly known as The UAV Digest, soon to be relaunched as UAV News Talk. Max Flight and David Vanderhoof return to the mic after a long hiatus to introduce new co-host Max Trescott, known for his work on the Aviation News Talk podcast and expertise in both fixed-wing and helicopter flying.The episode opens with a nostalgic look back to 2013, when Max Flight and David launched the show to cover the then-emerging drone landscape without overwhelming their other podcast, Airplane Geeks. They describe how the show evolved as they educated themselves and listeners about drone technology, regulations, and culture—sometimes even poking fun at questionable UAV behavior in their humorous “Grounded Files.”Max Trescott shares his excitement for the relaunch and the evolving UAV and eVTOL landscape near his home in California. He describes spotting test aircraft like Joby and Archer’s eVTOLs during recent flights and highlights how the focus is now shifting from promise to actual operations, citing companies like Matternet that are actively making deliveries.Please take our listener survey by going to theuavdigest.com/surveyWe greatly appreciate your feedback!UAV News Stories CoveredSciFly’s novel UAV design, which mimics helicopter performance using large, overlapping rotors, airfoil-shaped arms, and variable-pitch blades. The team praises its engineering and endurance (a two-hour hover test), while noting it depends on government contracts and future funding.Lyten’s lithium-sulfur battery technology, which promises lightweight, cobalt-free energy solutions better aligned with national defense needs. They discuss the geopolitical implications of battery sourcing and the importance of secure U.S.-based supply chains.Jetson ONE, a personal eVTOL dubbed the “flying motorcycle,” boasting joystick controls, 63 mph speeds, and 20 minutes of flight time. Max Trescott raises safety concerns, emphasizing the need for operational limits and robust pilot training—even for intuitive aircraft.Abu Dhabi’s hybrid heliport initiative, designed to accommodate both helicopters and eVTOLs. The group agrees that infrastructure development is essential for advanced air mobility, especially in cities like New York where vertiport space is scarce. They praise the UAE’s leadership and view it as a model for global adoption.Throughout the conversation, the hosts reflect on how UAV imagery has shifted over the years—from predator drones to quadcopters to today’s sleek eVTOLs. They also touch on persistent challenges, such as restricted flight zones, FAA registration, and airspace integration.The episode wraps with Max Flight officially passing the baton to Trescott and offering encouragement: stay curious, have fun, and involve the community. The team announces a listener survey at 

If you’ve been a longtime listener, you know it’s been a while — actually, a couple of years — since our last episode. But the good news is: The UAV Digest is coming back!Since we last released an episode, the world of drones, UAVs, and advanced air mobility has evolved dramatically. And with so many exciting developments in technology, regulations, and industry trends, we want to make sure that the new version of the show stays in step with what matters most to you.When we return, the show will still have the spirit you remember, but there will also be some new and exciting changes. And that’s where we need your help.We’ve created a quick listener survey to hear your thoughts on what you’d like to hear in future episodes. It’ll only take a few minutes, and it will help shape the direction of the podcast as we move forward. You can find the survey at theuavdigest.com/survey.Now, you might be wondering why there haven’t been any new episodes for the past few years. David and I will be back in the next episode to explain the story behind the break, and what you can expect as we relaunch the show.In the meantime, please take a moment to visit theuavdigest.com/survey and share your thoughts. We’d really appreciate hearing from you.

Drone Safety Day is April 29, a drone that changes shape, jump-starting your car with a drone, Florida bans DJI from government agencies, decision-making for small UAVs, drones that work together without colliding, adding VTOL to a fixed-wing drone, agave farmers saving water, land a drone in Red Square.UAV NewsDrone Safety DayDrone Safety Day is Saturday, April 29, 2023. The annual campaign is dedicated to educating the drone community on the importance of flying safely. You can download the 2023 Drone Safety Day Playbook  and 2023 Drone Safety Day Flyer. You can also visit the Drone@Home page to find ideas to participate at home. Register your event. Crazy shapeshifting drone inspired by dragons forces itself around objectsUniversity of Tokyo graduate students created drone prototypes that can rearrange into different structural shapes midair. The drones have individual segments with multi-axis gimbal systems. Each segment has its own propulsion unit, that can thrust in any direction. The drones can change their configuration to hold or move objects. They’ve also developed the SPIDAR quadruped robot that has joints in each leg and can fly.Could Drones Come Jump Start Your Car When You’re Stranded? Ford’s New PatentThis patent contemplates drones that assist motorists stranded with a dead battery. The Ford vehicle would transmit a “dead battery” signal and its location then a drone would fly to the vehicle, open the hood, connect to the battery, and jump-start the vehicle.Despite police outcry, DeSantis administration bans Chinese dronesFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis is forbidding government agencies from using drones manufactured by DJI. Only drones made by a small number of “approved manufacturers” can be purchased. Agencies have until January 1, 2023, to stop using drones not on the list. Many departments have already grounded their fleets. They told lawmakers that the Florida-approved drones are far more expensive and much less capable.Sen. Tom Wright, R-New Smyrna Beach said, I’m not going to let one officer risk his life or her life because somebody thinks that these things talk to China. I cannot imagine what China would really want to see when we pull over a DUI, when we stop a speeding car, when we arrest somebody for an outstanding warrant.”Making the skies safer with smarter dronesUniversity of Notre Dame computer scientists and engineers are developing an automated decision-making system for small drones under a $5.3 million 3-year NASA grant. Notre Dame will enhance NASA’s current drone traffic management system and develop...

uAvionix detects ADS-B spoofing, racing drones are delivering explosives, an aerial tanker that autonomously guides and controls multiple drones, self-flying F-16s that test loyal wingmen, the Condor heavy-lift UAV wins its first customer, a new mini light tactical UAS, and Archer Aviation and United Airlines plan air taxi service in Chicago.UAV NewsuAvionix Announces truSky ADS-B Spoofing Detection for SkyLine UAS BVLOS OperationsuAvionix offers its SkyLine UAS BVLOS service to manage the command and control infrastructure and assets across diverse frequency and radio types. Now the company is introducing truSky ADS-B spoofing detection for Skyline. It validates that a particular ADS-B signal is actually coming from an aircraft, and not being broadcast to spoof the signal.ADS-B spoofing can be used for nefarious purposes and interferes with ATC and detect and avoid systems. It compromises airspace awareness and risks airspace safety and security.uAvionix truSky works with a network of low-cost dual-frequency ADS-B ground receivers. The aircraft’s signal is confirmed to come from the aircraft’s position. With multiple sensors, truSky backward calculates the aircraft’s position and compares it to the position stated in the ADS-B transmission. When used with the uAvionix SkyLine platform, aircraft are color-coded based on confidence scores.How racing drones are used as improvised missiles in UkraineThe war in Ukraine seems to be demonstrating the use of drones in a conflict like never before. Ukraine is even using racing drones as loitering munitions. In a video released last year, a racing drone dives through an open doorway into a building occupied by Russian troops and explodes. There is even a Ukrainian military drone team called Angry Birds. They say they carry out half a dozen racing-drone attacks a day.Airbus tanker plane takes autonomous control of multiple dronesAirbus Defence and Space has autonomously guided and controlled drones using an A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) flying testbed. The technology is called Auto’Mate, which cuts down on crew fatigue, human error, and training costs. This is seen as a milestone on the way to fully Autonomous Formation Flight and Autonomous Air-to-Air Refueling (A4R). US Air Force plans self-flying F-16s to test drone wingmen techThe Air Force plans a fleet of at least 1,000 collaborative combat aircraft, or CCA. But you can’t have loyal wingmen without trusted autonomy, so the service has asked for $50 million to start Project Venom (Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model). The project would let the Air Force experiment with six F-16s to test and refine the autonomous software.Drone Delivery Canada sells its first Condor heavy-lift UAVDrone Delivery Canada sold their first Condor heavy-lift UAV to the Transport Canada agency. The sale was valued at CAD $1.2 million...

Alphabet’s Wing subsidiary wants a drone delivery network, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces consider using drones to intercept aircraft, DJI is reportedly dropping AeroScope, U.S. Senators want an assessment of DJI security risks, cardboard drones from Australia are going to Ukraine, the USAF has plans for 1,000 loyal wingmen drones, Zipline’s next-generation aircraft, and Russian Su-27 fighter jets intercept a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper.UAV NewsGoogle company unveils drone delivery-network ambitionAlphabet’s Wing subsidiary is delivering up to 1,000 packages a day in Australia, but to scale up to millions of deliveries daily, Wing says it needs to develop a network service. The Wing Delivery Network would enable the management of large numbers of drones. This would consist of three hardware elements:The delivery drones.Pads where drones take off, land, and recharge their batteries.Autoloaders that allow companies to leave packages for collection.Delivery drones would travel from pad to pad (or node to node) rather than use fixed routes that return to a “home base” after each delivery.Video: The Wing Drone Delivery NetworkJapan weighs using drones to chase away foreign aircraftChinese military flights in the East China Sea have increased and scrambling jets is expensive for Japan. So the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JDSF) are thinking about using drones instead, either the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 or the MQ-9 Reaper. It’s estimated that scrambling manned jets costs 40 times more than sending drones. The JSDF will first train its forces to use drones to identify foreign warships. If that proves successful, drones would be used to identify fast-approaching aircraft. Then if the threat is significant, the JSDF would send manned aircraft.DJI quietly discontinues its drone-detecting AeroScope systemAccording to The Verge, the DJI AeroScope product page displays a pop-up that reads: “The Aeroscope is no longer in production. For the latest in DJI technology, please view our product recommendations below.” AeroScope is a drone detection platform that identifies UAV communication links and gathers information in real time like flight status, paths, and other information.Senators Request Cyber Safety Analysis of Chinese-Owned DJI DronesA bipartisan group of U.S. Senators is asking the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to conduct an investigation and evaluate potential risks associated with DJI drones. In its letter, the Senators say, “Identification of this relationship between DJI and the PLA [People’s Liberation Army] suggests a range of risks to U.S. operators of the technology, including that sensitive information or data could wind up in PLA hands.”Paper Planes? Ukraine Gets Flat-Packed Cardboard Drones From Australia

Another personal eVTOL, cops flying BVLOS, military drones with facial recognition, a lethal drone designed in Australia, the Lilium Jet eVTOL, and moving air quietly.UAV NewsIs this one-seat flying saucer the future of flight?ZEVA Aero designs and builds electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The company’s flagship product is the Argon, based on a pre-existing airframe. But their Zero is a personal eVTOL for one person. It launches with the pilot standing, but the position is prone in horizontal flight. The 8-foot-wide flying saucer-shaped aircraft uses 8 propellers and is expected to cost $250,000.A one-eighth-scale model has been flight-tested and tethered tests are underway with a full-sized prototype. Zeva says the prototype should be ready for remote-controlled flights within a month, and tests with a pilot could take place in three to six months.Video: ZEVA 1/8 Scale Model flyingWelcome to Chula Vista, where police drones respond to 911 callsThe Chula Vista, California police department operates 29 drones. The program runs 10 hours a day, seven days a week using four launch sites. Officers routinely request aerial reconnaissance. More than 1,500 U.S. police departments use drones, mostly for search and rescue, to document crime scenes, and to chase suspects. About 225 police departments have FAA waivers to fly BVLOS. Privacy and civil liberty groups are taking notice.US Military Signs Contract to Put Facial Recognition on DronesThe Air Force’s Drones Can Now Recognize Faces. Uh-Oh.The U.S. Air Force plans to deploy facial recognition technology on drones. RealNetworks LLC has the contract to supply its SAFR technology on small drones used for special operations missions. RealNetworks says SAFR Scan is “the first full-featured intelligent biometric access controlled edge solution.”Australian-designed lethal drone to be unveiled at Avalon AirshowBAE STRIXBAE Systems Australia unveiled the armed STRIX VTOL at Avalon 2023. It’s a hybrid, tandem wing, multi-domain and multi-role UAS that could be used for air-to-ground strike, persistent ISR, and as a loyal wingman for military helicopters. It can carry up to a 160kg payload over 800km with a variety of munitions. The collapsed footprint is only 2.6m x 4.5m (roughly 8.5 x 15 feet).Lilium sees premium service entry for Lilium Jet eVTOLVertical flight takes a lot of energy and most eVTOL designs

Ameriflight plans to purchase cargo drones from Natilus and Saberwing, a plan for autonomous wind turbine inspections and repair, the American Security Drone Act, an arrest made for flying a drone at Dublin airport, a new hydrogen-powered octocopter drone, and Green and Blue UAS.UAV NewsAmeriflight adds 35 heavy-duty cargo drones to wish listAmeriflight is a regional cargo airline (Part 135) that operates 156 turboprop twins for customers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL. They recently signed a tentative agreement with Natilus for pilotless cargo planes. Now Ameriflight has signed a Letter of Intent to purchase 35 VTOL cargo drones from Sabrewing Aircraft Co.Ameriflight has 15 bases across the Western Hemisphere with 200 service destinations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the Caribbean and South America. They typically experience over 1,500 weekly departures.The Natilus agreement to purchase is for the Kona aircraft, a 3.8-ton payload, short-haul feeder uncrewed aerial vehicle. Nautilus says the Kona planes will be operated by remote control and have the ability to be fully autonomous at some point in the future. Project Using Automated Drones for Offshore Wind O&M Aims for Reducing Downtime and CO2 EmissionsThe Flexible Offshore Drone for Wind (FOD4Wind) project envisions a system that can conduct autonomous wind turbine inspections and repair as well as package deliveries from service operation vessels to offshore turbines.mFOD4Wind illustration, courtesy University of Southern Denmark.Drones would take off from service operation vessels and carry gear and tools to the nacelles of Siemens offshore wind turbines. The Upteko partner says “If we can replace sailing with drone flights from larger ships, then many of the trips around the wind farm will be saved. There is great potential in that – both in terms of time and CO2 emissions.”The project, which runs until the end of 2024, is first working with payloads of 12 kilograms, with a long-term goal for the drones to be able to carry a cargo of up to 100 kilograms.The FOD4Wind project is being undertaken by Siemens Gamesa (produces wind turbines), ESVAGT (operates the service operation vessels), Upteko (developer of the automated UAS), and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) with Energy Cluster Denmark managing FOD4Wind.Warner, Scott Introduce Legislation to Ban Purchase of Drones

A global drone market report, aircraft control with artificial intelligence, a slow start to Amazon drone deliveries, drones disrupt flight operations at Dublin Airport, a testing service for microgravity research.UAV NewsChinese drone maker DJI is dominating the market – despite being blacklisted by the U.S.A report by Drone Industry Insights says: the global drone market was $30.6 billion in 2022 and it is expected to grow to $55.8 billion by 2026. DJI holds 70% market share. Global Drone Market Report 2022-2030 says that drone services will remain the biggest segment, but hardware will grow the fastest. Energy is the Industry with the highest adoption of drones. Cargo, courier services, intralogistics, and warehousing have the highest CAGR. Mapping and surveying is the top drone application, followed by inspection as well as photography and filming.AI Just Flew an F-16 for 17 Hours. This Could Change Everything.The Lockheed Martin VISTA X-62A training aircraft flew for more than 17 hours with artificial intelligence software, marking the first time AI operated a tactical aircraft. The VISTA is based on the F-16. Software allows it to mimic the performance characteristics of other aircraft.Amazon’s delivery drones served fewer than 10 houses in their first monthAmazon’s drones have reportedly delivered to fewer houses than there are words in this headlineAmazon has been making deliveries by drone in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas. But not many. According to The Information, as few as seven houses had received Amazon packages by drone – two in California and five in Texas. The report says the FAA has safety concerns since Amazon’s drone weighs around 80 pounds (and carries a five-pound payload) and they fly over roads and people. FAA said Amazon must ask for permission on a case-by-case basis and Amazon employees had to act as spotters.However, Amazon successfully argued last November that the new MK27-2 drone is safer and more autonomous and didn’t need as many humans or safeguards. See: Amazon Prime Air revised limitations 2023 (Corrected Copy) [PDF], a 64-page letter from FAA to Amazon Prime Air informing...

A large autonomous blended-wing cargo drone and a smaller electric cargo drone, the Eaglet takes flight, taser drones at public schools, the GAO recommends the FAA create a comprehensive strategy, the Dronut for inspections, two MQ-9 Reapers for a Dollar, and a BVLOS autonomous inspection solution.UAV NewsDrones will ‘push the boundaries of what is possible’ in air cargoThe Natilus Kona cargo drone looks a lot like the NASA X-48B blended-wing prototype. It’s autonomous so no need for pressurization and the blended wing design is efficient with up to a 50% reduction in emissions. It has a claimed 4.3-ton cargo capacity with a 900 nautical mile range. Natilus says they have “designed and developed” the aircraft. The patent-pending ‘Diamond’ cargo bay allows for 60% more volume. It’s designed for cargo and can hold a large configuration of standard pallets and outsized cargo. A remote pilot watches over.World’s largest electric cargo plane unveiled, here’s how far it can fly on its ownPyka unveiled a large, zero-emission autonomous electric cargo plane. The second-generation Pelican Spray is an autonomous electric aircraft designed for complex agricultural operations on farms. The Pelican Cargo features an extended range, increased payload capacity, and maximized cargo volume. A payload of up to 400 lbs can be carried in 66 feet of cargo space for a range of up to 200 miles (with a 20 min reserve). Video: Pyka Pelican Cargo Unveil – Large Autonomous Electric Cargo UAS GA-ASI’s Eaglet Takes Its First FlightGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) conducted a flight demonstration of the Eaglet Air-Launched Effect (ALE) at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah. The Eaglet was launched from a U.S. Army MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) UAS. The Eaglet is a low-cost survivable UAV that can be launched from a Gray Eagle, rotary-wing aircraft, or ground vehicles.Taser drones in schools? The idea isn’t completely kaputThere was some talk about the ethics of putting tasers on small UAVs to subdue dangerous people and using “shock drones” to protect schools. Several years ago, law enforcement company Axon asked its ethics board for input on the idea. After a year-long study, the board said it was not a good idea. Then the mass shooting at the school in Uvalde, Texas happened. Axon may be rethinking the idea.FAA Should Improve Its Approach to Integrating Drones into the National Airspace SystemThe U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) says the FAA has developed planning documents to manage efforts to integrate drones into the national airspace, but it does not have a comprehensive strategy. According to the GAO, a comprehensive strategy includes seven elements and the FAA has only four of them. The FAA’s documents do not identify drone integration goals and objectives and they only partially include milestones and