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/

In this week’s episode of Weekly Wings, hosts Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry and Terry Neff unpack some of the most significant developments in drone technology, military applications, and regulatory responses. The episode begins with a captivating discussion on the drone footage capturing the moments after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) military strike on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The hosts examine the role of drones in modern warfare and how they’re being used not only for strikes but also for target confirmation and surveillance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyOdotevT_E

Next up, SpaceX's Mechazilla makes headlines as it successfully catches the Falcon 9 Heavy rocket booster upon return to Earth. The team explores the engineering marvel behind this recovery system, noting how it paves the way for more efficient space missions and reuse of rocket components - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh_0AQhK7sg

In acquisition news, Flock Safety has acquired Aerodome to further develop U.S. NDAA-compliant drones for Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs. This move signals Flock Safety's expanding influence in public safety and surveillance, integrating drones with real-time crime centers - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/16/flock-safety-expands-capabilities-with-acquisition-of-aerodome/

The hosts then delve into SPH’s Circlegrammetry, a new 3D mapping technique that improves accuracy in drone-based modeling by having drones fly in circular patterns rather than traditional linear routes. This innovation could revolutionize mapping for industries like construction and disaster relief - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/15/sph-engineering-unveils-circlegrammetry-a-new-approach-to-drone-photogrammetry/

The episode takes a darker turn with the story of a man caught dropping explosives from a drone. The hosts discuss the increasing concerns around unauthorized drone weaponization and its implications for public safety - https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-man-accused-using-drone-drop-explosive-devices/62638863

In the tech world, ePropelled has introduced U.S.-made electric motors for drones, providing a critical piece of the puzzle for creating American-manufactured NDAA-compliant drone systems. The hosts highlight the significance of this development in bolstering the U.S. drone industry - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/16/epropelled-introduces-new-falcon-propulsion-systems-supporting-made-in-america-drone-technology/

The episode concludes with a look at mysterious drone sightings near U.S. military installations, including Langley Air Force Base and Naval Station Norfolk. These sightings have prompted political action, with legislators like Senator Jerry Moran introducing bills to give military bases more authority to neutralize potential threats from unidentified drones - https://www.newsweek.com/us-air-force-langley-drones-mystery-map-1969811 and https://www.kwch.com/2024/10/16/sen-moran-introduce-legislation-after-reports-ufo-drones-over-us-military-base/

In this week's episode of Weekly Wings, hosts Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry, and Terry Neff dive into exciting drone-related innovations and their impact across various industries. The episode begins with an exploration of FPV Logic, an FPV simulator available on Steam. Samuel shares his firsthand experience using it as a tool to train in first-person-view (FPV) drone piloting, highlighting its value for beginners and seasoned pilots alike - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2398030/FPV_LOGIC/

The conversation then shifts to recent developments in counter-UAS technology. The hosts discuss the testing of advanced counter-UAS systems by the U.S. Marines and Israel, which are designed to neutralize potential aerial threats like drone swarms, emphasizing the growing need for such systems in modern defense - https://defensescoop.com/2024/10/11/marines-lmadis-counter-drone-system-wti-course/

Next, they look at the use of drones for installing sensors on power lines. This cutting-edge technology allows for the rapid installation of sensors to monitor power grids, improving safety and efficiency with minimal human involvement. The hosts marvel at the speed and precision of these drone operations - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/10/drones-install-powerline-sensors-in-seconds-as-heimdall-power-aims-to-meet-u-s-grid-compliance/

The episode also covers the Saildrone’s deployment into Hurricane Milton, where it collected critical weather data, showcasing drones’ abilities to withstand extreme environments while providing valuable information during natural disasters - https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/video/noaa-saildrone-first-look-at-milton-waves-in-gulf

In the world of entertainment, the team discusses Tesla’s recent “We Robot” event, which featured a spectacular drone light show. This was followed by Denver’s upcoming 40-night drone light show event for the holiday season, bringing awe-inspiring visuals to the sky every night starting in November - https://dronexl.co/2024/10/11/tesla-wows-crowd-drone-show-we-robot-event/ and https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/drone-show-downtown-denver-holiday-season/

On a more serious note, the episode explores the use of Skyfire AI in Western North Carolina for hurricane relief efforts. Drones, equipped with AI, were deployed to assist in search-and-rescue missions and deliver essential supplies to areas cut off by the storm - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/10/skyfire-is-on-the-ground-for-hurricane-response-an-inside-look-at-the-mission/

In a fascinating twist, the team highlights a new discovery—a previously unknown plant species identified by a drone collecting samples from the side of a cliff. This use of drones in scientific research is opening new frontiers for exploration in hard-to-reach environments - https://www.popsci.com/technology/drone-discovers-plant/

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at "lights-out" inventory management in warehouses, where drones equipped with advanced sensors are able to conduct inventory in complete darkness, offering businesses a new way to increase efficiency and reduce energy costs -