In this week’s episode of Weekly Wings, hosts Paul Rossi and Terry Neff dive into the latest drone and aviation developments. The episode begins with a heartwarming story of a missing 4-year-old child in Millersville, located quickly with the help of a drone deployed by local emergency teams and volunteer firefighters. The hosts discuss the critical role of drones in public safety and the collaboration required to make such operations successful - https://smokeybarn.com/missing-4-year-old-found-safe-by-drone-in-under-an-hour-in-millersville/

The conversation then shifts to Skydio's latest $170 million funding round and its implications for the company’s future. Despite the challenges surrounding supply chains and political restrictions, the company is positioning itself as a leader in defense and enterprise drone solutions, including potential contracts across Japan and the U.S. The hosts explore the financial and technological factors driving this growth - https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/15/drone-manufacturer-skydio-raises-170-million-extension-round/

Next, they highlight a major acquisition in battery technology. Lytton’s purchase of Kuberg’s facility in California aims to ramp up production of lithium-sulfur batteries for drones and ground robotics. This development promises to strengthen the U.S. drone and defense industries with domestic battery production, meeting critical supply chain needs - https://dronelife.com/2024/11/13/lyten-acquires-cubergs-facility-to-boost-us-lithium-sulfur-battery-production-for-drone-and-defense-applications/

The hosts also touch on Sikorsky's autonomous Blackhawk helicopter, now branded as the Firehawk. This cutting-edge innovation demonstrates its ability to autonomously suppress wildfires, saving lives and resources while reducing risk to human pilots. The demonstration, attended by FEMA, NASA, and DARPA, showcases the potential of autonomous helicopters in disaster response - https://dronelife.com/2024/11/12/autonomous-black-hawk-helicopter-demonstrates-precise-wildfire-suppression/

Additionally, they preview the upcoming Vets2Drones event at Baltimore's Camden Yards. The event offers a unique opportunity for U.S. military veterans and public safety personnel to network, learn, and fly drones. With free registration and hands-on experience provided, the hosts encourage those in the region to participate - https://dronelife.com/2024/11/12/autonomous-black-hawk-helicopter-demonstrates-precise-wildfire-suppression/

In a fascinating turn, the team highlights efforts in Australia to conserve endangered koalas using thermal drones. These drones help researchers identify koala populations in remote wildlife sanctuaries without disturbing their natural habitats. This groundbreaking application is aiding conservationists in protecting this iconic species and monitoring its health and behavior - https://dronelife.com/2024/11/08/drones-detect-endangered-koalas-in-australias-waulinbakh-wildlife-sanctuary/

In the realm of security, the hosts discuss the deployment of robotic dogs at Mar-a-Lago for U.S. Secret Service operations. These advanced machines provide 24/7 surveillance, GPS tracking, and enhanced situational awa...

In this episode of the Weekly Wings podcast, hosts Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry, and Terry Neff dive into a range of engaging topics surrounding drones and technology. They start by sharing personal memories of attending big sporting events, like Yankees games and UFC matches, highlighting how these traditions bring joy and nostalgia.

In this episode of Weekly Wings, hosts Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry and Terry Neff explore the latest in drone technology, military countermeasures, and regulatory updates. The conversation kicks off with reports of a mysterious drone swarm sighted over Langley Air Force Base. The team delves into the implications of these sightings and the ongoing investigations to determine their origins, sparking discussions on airspace security.

Following that, they discuss the U.S. Army's development of what could be their most effective counter-UAS system yet, with a focus on reducing red tape to enable faster drone deployment in combat scenarios. The episode then shifts to the introduction of counter-UAS training in basic training, highlighting the military's response to the growing threat of drone warfare - https://breakingdefense.com/2024/10/us-army-takes-on-most-effective-counter-drone-system-yet-red-tape/ and https://www.militarytimes.com/video/2024/10/24/counter-drone-training-for-soldiers/

In the tech spotlight, Mitsubishi’s wind detection drone technology emerges as a game-changer for optimizing wind farm placements. The team discusses how this innovation, driven by AI, allows drones to collect accurate wind data to determine ideal locations for renewable energy installations - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/22/mitsubishi-electric-develops-uav-based-wind-detection-system-for-optimized-wind-farm-placement/

Turning to regulatory news, the team covers DJI’s lawsuit against the Department of Defense as the company challenges its designation as a "Chinese military company," a classification impacting DJI’s business in the U.S. - https://www.newsweek.com/chinese-drone-firm-suing-pentagon-represented-former-obama-ag-1972528

The episode then explores a recent archaeological discovery along the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, where drones equipped with LiDAR have unveiled hidden outposts, fortresses, and plazas, reshaping our understanding of ancient trade routes - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/lost-centuries-silk-road-cities-are-revealed-drone-technology-rcna176990 On the law enforcement front, drones recently helped locate a convicted felon in Nelson County, allowing authorities to make a quick arrest without endangering officers - https://www.wlky.com/article/drone-locates-convicted-felon-nelson-county/62709888

The team also examines a drone crash during a Boston Celtics event, which injured two people, underscoring the importance of proper drone regulations in populated areas - https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-celtics-cnn-tnt-drone-crash/

Finally, they wrap up with a discussion on the FAA's new regulations for powered-lift aircraft. These standards, essential for certifying pilots and instructors, are paving the way for the future of eVTOL and advanced air mobility in the U.S. - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/23/faa-issues-final-rule-for-powered-lift-aircraft-a-major-milestone-for-evtol-and-advanced-air-mobility/