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Ukraine’s Drone Attack System Dubbed a ‘Virus’ for Its Game-Like Precision

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A drone attack system resembling a computer game is “rapidly spreading” within Ukrainian military units and is being expanded to cover reconnaissance, artillery, and logistics operations, as reported by Mykhailo Fedorov, the country’s first deputy prime minister, to the Guardian.

In September, drone teams competing under the Drone Corps Bonus System were credited with killing or injuring 18,000 Russian soldiers, with participation growing from 95 to 400 drone squads within one month, according to Ukrainian officials.

This system, initiated over a year ago, rewards soldiers for successful strikes by awarding points that can be exchanged for additional weapons from an online store dubbed Brave1, which features over 100 types of drones, self-driving vehicles, and various drone warfare equipment. Teams with creative names such as Achilles and Phoenix currently lead the scoreboard.




Brave1 online store. Photo: https://market-brave1.delta.mil.gov.ua/katalog/filter/icons=11;page=3;presence=1/

Fedorov noted that the system has gained “tremendous popularity among troops” and exemplifies the growing automation in combat. “The Defense Forces are all aware, and there’s a competition for points to acquire drones, electronic warfare systems, and other equipment that enhances combat effectiveness. The more infantry you take down, the more drones can eliminate additional infantry. It’s becoming a self-sustaining cycle.”

Russian casualties in September were reported to be double those of the previous October, partly due to the Ukrainian government increasing the points awarded for killing Russian infantry from six to twelve, highlighting shifting battlefield priorities.

Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Russia might be developing its own version of this gamification approach. Additionally, Ukraine is expanding the Destroy Points concept to artillery units, providing them with success points that can be used to acquire new armaments. Reconnaissance teams are also earning points for identifying enemy targets, while logistics units are beginning to gain points for utilizing self-driving vehicles in front-line resupply efforts.

Fedorov disclosed that the Ukrainian military is promoting the use of drones partially directed by artificial intelligence, enhancing target selection and controlling the final moments of the drones’ trajectory to boost attack precision.

Scouts accumulate points through a system dubbed “Uber targeting,” reminiscent of the global ride-hailing app.

“Essentially, you drop a pin on a map similar to requesting a ride on an Uber app, but in this case, a drone from a different unit engages the target,” he explained.

Despite the point-based system’s expansion, there are warnings that over-reliance on drone warfare may not be a model for NATO countries to emulate, as Russian defenses against such aerial attacks have become significantly robust. Experts from the Royal United Services Institute have recently highlighted the need for renewed focus on conventional artillery and air support.

In addition to raising the points for infantry kills to align with Russia’s increased deployment of infantry, killing an enemy drone operator grants 25 points, while capturing a Russian soldier with a drone nets 120 points, reflecting Ukraine’s need for prisoners of war for potential exchanges. Although these point values have received official approval, Fedorov mentioned they have become “almost devoid of emotion” in assigning value to human life.

“We’ve been engaged in a war for four consecutive years and it’s been challenging,” he stated. “We aim to enhance effectiveness. We perceive this as part of our regular operations. It’s largely devoid of emotional contemplation. It resembles technical work because if we don’t halt the enemy, they will kill military personnel, and once that happens, they will come for civilians—conquering, destroying, and killing.”

Ukrainian drone operators may be positioned as close as 250 meters to the front lines or as far as three kilometers away, often concealed behind computer screens while directing assaults, sometimes utilizing video game controllers. Achilles is recognized as one of the top 10 successful drone regiments, operating in the eastern Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. Commander Yuri Fedorenko noted that the most effective pilots are not necessarily those skilled in video games.

“The best pilots are those with discipline,” he remarked. “Younger individuals may be able to stay awake longer and require less recovery time, but discipline is the hallmark of a good drone operator.”

He also downplayed the notion that this initiative amounts to the “gamification” of warfare, stating that directives are sometimes issued to target low-point objectives to meet immediate combat needs.

“This is war, so our primary focus must be on completing the mission,” he said. “That’s our priority, not chasing points.”

“There’s competition across the unit. Drone operators are in competition with one another. Groups of drone operators compete against other groups. Even the highest-ranking commanders engage in competition,” explained Andrii Poltolatskyi, another commander in the drone unit.

He characterized it more as a constructive competition than a playful one, noting that when Russia initiates an attack, “the competition ceases and everyone… collaborates towards the goal of protecting Ukrainian lives, irrespective of the points involved.”

Fedorov stated that the scoring system has provided valuable data, enhancing Ukraine’s “understanding of the mathematics of war.”

“Thanks to the points, we are beginning to comprehend the realities of the battlefield,” he mentioned. “To earn points, [drone units] must submit a verification video. This way, we gain insights into the targets being engaged, their locations relative to the contact line, and the drones and other assets being utilized.

“This enables us to evaluate what strategies are proving effective and which are not. The leaderboard encourages units to learn from each other. Leaders are beginning to mentor and cultivate emerging talent… Innovation emerges from the ground up.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Stealth Radio Conceals Signals in Ambient Noise to Safeguard Drone Operators

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Drones are now crucial in the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Diego Herrera Charcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images

Stealth military radios, designed to mask signals from ambient noise, are exceptionally resistant to jamming and detection. This capability allows drone operators to function without being exposed.

With drones rapidly gaining prominence in warfare, electronic warfare has taken on a new intensity. In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both factions deploy jammers to disrupt drone communications, while also capturing radio signals to identify drone operators for coordinating artillery assaults.

We are a startup named Rampart News, and we’ve created a radio that features dual layers of protection, making it extremely hard to detect signals. The Stratawave Radio disperses its signal across a wide spectrum rather than encrypting it and broadcasting on a single frequency, rendering emissions subdued and harder to identify.

While similar methods have been employed in the past, Stratawave enhances this approach. By distributing the signal over the radio spectrum, interception becomes challenging, but the mere existence of radio transmissions remains apparent. To obscure this, Stratawave combines the entire broadcast, masking the presence of the radio signal amid ambient noise.

The first layer of protection resembles encoding a letter and then tearing it into substantial pieces. Even if adversaries can’t decipher the message, they can still perceive its existence. The second layer, however, is akin to reducing the letters to dust.

“Without the correct encryption key and algorithm, the signal manifests as noise on alternative receivers,” explains Aaron Correa from Rampart.

The company introduced Stratawave at the Pentagon Technical Preparation Experiment (TREX) event held in Camp Atterbury, Indiana, in August. During the event, the operator piloted the drone directly above the jamming system without encountering any disruptions.

The device manufacturer claims it has undergone over 60 diverse jamming trials. The counter-drone systems were unable to detect emissions from either the drone or its operator, nor could they triangulate their location.

Theoretically, StrataWave enables drone operators to use higher power levels without drawing fire, facilitating safer communication over long distances. Ukrainian commander from the Typhoon Drone Unit, Michael, asserts that they typically keep their power output as low as possible to evade detection.

“As soon as you activate a transmitter with a standard output of 1-5 watts, you increase both the signal strength and your exposure,” Michael states. “More potent, distinctive signals are easier to detect and pinpoint through triangulation.”

Electronic warfare resembles a cat-and-mouse dynamic, with advancements constantly evolving to counteract one another. In Ukraine, drone technologies are refreshed every few weeks to surpass existing jamming methods. Rampart asserts that when adversaries attempt to detect or jam Stratawave, they effectively start from scratch.

Thomas Withington, an electronic warfare specialist at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a British defense think tank, suggests that this is not the definitive turn in the radio and jamming conflict. “Radio frequency engineers inform us that new systems seldom perform flawlessly.”

Withington highlights that cognitive radio systems incorporating AI and extensive datasets increasingly stand to uncover hidden signals cloaked in noise. However, deciphering Stratawave may take time. “This type of system undoubtedly offers a temporary advantage, which could be all you require,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Drone Warfare: The Transformative Technology at the Heart of the Ukraine Conflict

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“IAfar, the deputy commander of the “Davinci Wolves,” shares insights about the critical role of one of Ukraine’s renowned battalions in countering ongoing Russian attacks.

Amid the aftermath, the remaining forces strive to form around ten units to assault Ukrainian positions. It requires funding – “We’ve eliminated 11 individuals in the past 24 hours,” Afer remarks. Previously, attacks occurred once or twice daily, but the situation is now relentless. According to Da Vinci’s commander, the Russian troops seem to be operating under near-suicidal orders, driven by fear of their superiors.

At the command center of the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion
At the command center of the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion

A reconnaissance drone tracks a scorched treeline to the west of Pokrovsk. The imagery is relayed to Da Vinci’s command center, situated at one end of a 130-meter underground bunker. “Even taking a moment to relax is perilous,” Afer notes, as the team operates around the clock. Constructed in four or five weeks, the bunker features multiple rooms, including barracks for resting, alongside drawings by children and family reminders. The week’s menu adorns the wall.

Three and a half years into the Ukrainian conflict, there has been no progress on Donald Trump’s August peace initiative. As the war evolves, Afer elaborates on advancements in FPV (first-person view) drones, piloted remotely via onboard cameras. The so-called kill zone currently extends “12-14 kilometers” behind the frontline. A $500 drone, flying at speeds of up to 60mph, can maneuver within this area. “It’s all about logistics,” he explains, referring to food, ammunition, and medical supplies transported on foot or with the aid of ground drones.

Heavy machine gun near the temporary base of Da Vinci Battalion

Additionally, various types of ground drones are stationed in the countryside Dacha, currently occupied by Da Vinci soldiers. This concept rapidly evolved from an idea to a practical application. The drones include remote-controlled machine guns and flatbed robotic vehicles, such as the $12,000 Termit, capable of traversing rough terrain while carrying 300kg over 12 miles at a maximum speed of 7 mph.

End of land drones equipped for cargo, attack, and mine laying

Photo of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Termit drone.

These ground drones also contribute to saving lives. “Last night, we sustained two fractured legs and a chest injury,” Afer recounts. The entire rescue operation consumed “nearly 20 hours,” during which two soldiers successfully transported the injured man on a ground drone over a mile, delivering him to a safe village. Thankfully, the soldiers survived.

Da Vinci reports that their position remains secure, but the relentless Russian infiltration attempts effectively reveal locations where defenses are weak or coordination between nearby units is lacking. Recently, Russian forces breached Ukrainian territory, advancing 12 miles northeast of Pokrovsk, near Dubropyria. This marks a precarious moment in a critical sector, coinciding with Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Initially, reports suggested countless soldiers had breached the area, but the confirmed figure appeared substantially higher. Ukrainian military sources estimate that roughly 2,000 Russians were involved, with 1,100 casualties reported during the offensive led by Ukraine’s newly formed 14th Chebona Karina Brigade from the Azov legions.

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That night, another dacha was used by Da Vinci, where individuals stayed in the garden, and moths circled the light. Within, a specialized drone jammer occupies a gaming chair and is surrounded by seven screens mounted on fans and supported by intricate carpentry.

Although sensitive to the imagery, team leader Olexandre discusses the jammer’s operations, referring to him by the call sign Shoni. They both have the capability to intercept video feeds from the FPV drones, with three screens dedicated to capturing footage for reconnaissance. Upon detection, their mission is to identify the drone’s radio frequency and to secure the jammer at ground level (except when dealing with fiber optic drones that utilize up to 12 miles of fixed wiring instead of wireless connections).

“We manage to block about 70%,” shares Shaune, acknowledging that Russian forces achieve similar success rates. In their area, they encounter about 30-35 enemy drones daily, with some days witnessing even higher interception rates. “Last month, we seized control of the airspace. We intercepted their pilots expressing their inability to fly due to radio signals,” he adds, although these achievements waned after Russian artillery targeted their jamming equipment. The nature of battle is dynamic, with Shaune concluding, “It has become a drone war, where we wield shields while attacking with swords.”

Olexandre, call sign Shauni, resting in the kitchen

One drone pilot can undertake 20 missions within a 24-hour span. Sean manages to operate an FPV for prolonged periods, often for days, while strategically hiding miles behind the frontlines. The primary objective, particularly with Russians under attack, is targeting infantry. Sean candidly remarks that he “neutralizes at least three Russian soldiers” in this ongoing aerial and ground conflict. When asked if this makes it easier to eliminate adversaries from a distance, he responds, “I don’t know; I just know.” Dubok, another FPV pilot, shares this sentiment while sitting alongside Sean.

Other anti-drone measures are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Ukraine’s third brigade is stationed in the North Kalkiv sector, east of the Oskill River, while extensive defensive efforts are ongoing to the west. Inside their base, team members scan radar displays for signs of primarily Russian Supercams, Orlan, and Zara reconnaissance drones. Upon identifying a target, they launch an Albulet Interceptor, deploying two drones from the fields of sunflowers. This small delta-wing drone, made of black polystyrene, is operable with one hand and costs around $500.

Buhan, a pilot of a drone crew with Albaret interceptors in the position of the 3rd Attack Brigade in the Kharkiv region
Alvalet interceptor in the dugout of the 3rd Attack Brigade in the Kharkiv region

The Alvalet can reach a remarkable speed of 110 mph, though it features a limited battery life of just 40 minutes. It is piloted from a bunker using a control system designed for enthusiasts, guided by the onboard camera. The aim is to deploy its hand-ren bullets close enough to the Russian drones to ensure detonation. “If you’ve never flown an FPV drone before, it’s simple to learn,” Buhan shares, one of the drone operators.

Amidst an unusually wet and cloudy August, the adverse weather creates a rare lull in drone activity, as the Russians refrain from operating under such challenging conditions. The crew hesitates to activate the Albulet for fear of losing it, providing an opportunity for conversation. Buhan states he was a trading manager prior to the war, while DAOS was involved in investments. “Had it not been for the war, my life would have taken a different path,” he reflects. “But we all must unite to fight for our freedom.”

Do the pilots feel apprehensive about continuing their fight in what seems to be an endless conflict? The two men look towards me and nod, their silence speaking volumes.

Source: www.theguardian.com

A Solar-Powered Drone Larger than a Jumbo Jet Can Stay Airborne for Months

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Skydweller drone

Skydweller

A solar-powered surveillance drone boasting a wingspan larger than that of the Boeing 747 is capable of flying continuously for weeks or even months, as claimed by its operators. A test flight is currently underway off the US Gulf Coast this month.

Run by the US-Spanish venture Skydweller Aero, the Skydweller drone features a 72-meter wingspan, surpassing the width of most commercial jets. Weighing approximately 2,500 kilograms—similar to a Ford F-150 truck—this drone aims to achieve the first solar-powered flight globally, which was targeted for 2016, with a mission to carry out “pure targeted flights” over 13 kilometers during daylight, while aspiring towards building a “comparable solar-powered carbon fiber drone.”

The Skydweller drone executed the world’s inaugural autonomous solar-powered flight in April 2024, with several subsequent test flights conducted throughout the year. Military funding evaluations are focusing on the viability of marine drone patrols. Military funding is assessing the feasibility of marine drone patrols.

Most recently, the solar-powered drone accomplished its longest flight after departing from Stennis International Airport in Mississippi on July 20. According to the Flightradar24 Flight Tracking Service, it remained aloft over the Gulf Coast for more than three days, landing on July 23. The service also indicated that, on July 14, the drone had flown for over 18 hours.

The wingspan of the Skydweller drone is nearly double that of major surveillance drones, such as the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk used by the US Air Force. Its payload capacity of 400 kilograms significantly surpasses the lifting capabilities of most solar drones. Recently, the French aerospace company Thales contributed to the development of the Skydweller drone by equipping it with air surveillance radar. Equipment was provided for enhancing its capabilities.

However, experts suggest that the decades-long pursuit of commercializing solar drones has largely been marked by unmet promises and monumental failures. Arthur Holland Michele, a research partner at the Oslo Peace Institute, points out that both Google and Facebook attempted to create solar-powered drones for internet services but eventually discontinuing their initiatives. Aerospace manufacturer Airbus, too, has heavily invested in smaller Zephyr solar-electric drones, yet “we haven’t observed significant returns thus far,” states Michele.

“The military has funded solar drone demonstration flights for over ten years, and no one has yet acquired the technology,” Michele explains. “While solar drones are impressive and theoretically meaningful, their practical sustainability as a business case remains unclear.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rise of the Drone Era: Enhancing Production and Uplifting Morale in Agri-Tech | Agriculture

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“The inspiration originated from Instagram videos,” remarks Tom Amery. It provides a stunning view of one of three large drones acquired to aid in cultivating watercress on a farm in Hampshire.

This drone is equipped with four rotary blades and can transport up to 50kg of fertilizer, seeds, or feed for spraying, thanks to extensive research conducted by Amelie, who frequently utilizes various social media platforms focused on agricultural technology.

Amery and The Watercress Company, led by managing directors, are among the food producers striving to integrate advanced technology into one of the oldest professions to accelerate processes and increase output amid extreme weather challenges. This critical issue has drawn government attention, resulting in the inclusion of Agri-Tech in its industrial strategy earlier this month.

The firm allocated £80,000 for an Agras T50 drone, produced by the Chinese manufacturer DJI and specifically designed for agricultural use.

Applying potash or phosphates using a drone is “two to three times quicker than manual application,” notes Amery. This facilitates more precise application, thereby minimizing the quantity of fertilizer needed. The produce is packaged in a 25m bag of salad sold annually through the UK’s largest supermarket.

Despite ongoing discussions about the potential for machines to replace human labor in agriculture, Amelie believes that such investments elevate morale. “It’s about retaining staff by alleviating job hardships,” he states. “We offer higher wages. With increased salaries, retention rates improve.”

Though drones are already in use on farms in North and South America, their presence remains relatively novel in the UK. Currently, The Watercress Company’s drones await necessary permissions from the Civil Aviation Authority, the aviation regulatory body.

Amelie hopes that soon, hoppers will be fitted with the essential equipment to cover the growers’ 20 hectares across 12 farms in Hampshire and Dorset. Flight paths for each field can be pre-set, and 20-year-old George Matthews has been trained and licensed to operate the drone.

The Watercress Company continues to follow traditional growing methods that date back to the Victorian era. Although innovative, it remains focused on providing for those in urban areas, where watercress first gained popularity due to its nutritional value.

Currently, crops are cultivated in watercress beds fed by natural streams in use since the 1880s, while bespoke harvesters are deployed to cut the leaves between May and October.

crops. Photo: Joanna Partridge/The Guardian

Growers are also experimenting with multispectral cameras, which capture images across various wavelengths. These images generate a “heatmap” of the fields, which AI can analyze to identify crop issues.

The Watercress Company is driving the type of innovation that the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) aims to promote across more UK farms, striving for efficiency and sustainability.

Nevertheless, many farmers are feeling financial constraints, as the NFU observes that few possess the funds or confidence to invest in new, potentially untested technologies.

This progress is essential for enhancing productivity in agriculture, with the NFU warning that, without it, the UK risks lagging behind international competitors.

“We are eager to see future developments,” stated Tom Bradshaw, president of NFU. “Evidence from some European neighbors highlights that we’re behind in certain areas and less productive overall.”

Within the industrial strategy, Agri-Tech, alongside precision breeding, is designated a focus area in the growth sector plan, which the NFU believes will help make agriculture “more productive, sustainable, and resilient.”

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The government has earmarked £200 million for its agricultural innovation program until 2030, with the Ministry of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) promising “targeted funding to foster agricultural innovation.”

“The push for innovation and growth in agri-tech is advantageous for the nation,” remarks Agriculture Minister Daniel Zechner. “Not only can we create jobs and enhance economic resilience, but we can also fortify food security and increase farmers’ and growers’ benefits through innovation.”

However, this announcement comes just days after the government cut the UK’s agricultural budget by £100 million annually. This reduction translates to a 2.7% decrease in DEFRA’s daily budget, a move that has been cautiously received by the NFU and agricultural organizations.

Back in Hampshire, the Watercress Company remains skeptical about benefiting from the funds allocated to its agricultural innovation program.

“Much of this funding is driven by high innovation levels but often fails to reach the farm gates or enhance production and productivity,” remarks Amery.

“It involves a significant investment in technology that hasn’t yet proven to yield results.”

The crop is harvested by the Watercress Company in Dorset. Photo: Finnbarr Webster/Getty

To date, growers have been bearing nearly all costs associated with innovation. They successfully obtained £20,000 in funding from the government’s shared prosperity fund through local councils, which accounts for about a quarter of their drone investment.

Nonetheless, Amery noted that the business rarely accesses funding avenues like R&D tax credits, available only to companies subject to corporate tax. Partnerships like the Watercress Company and many other agricultural entities don’t pay corporate tax and thus aren’t eligible.

This challenge hasn’t deterred growers from pursuing the latest advancements to enhance their crops. “Innovation typically stems from a desire to tackle challenges,” states Amery. “We generally experience a major innovation every five to ten years. This one is transformative.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Can Any Nation Safeguard Against Ukrainian-Style Drone Smuggling?

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Image captured by a Ukrainian drone during operation

upi/alamy

On June 1, Ukraine made headlines with a daring strike on Russian air bases. Utilizing inexpensive, compact drones concealed within trucks that had ventured deep into Russian territory, Ukraine successfully targeted numerous strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons, resulting in a loss of $7 billion in military assets.

The drone swarm operation, dubbed Operation Spider-Web, showcased remarkable military strategy while also exposing the vulnerabilities that defense leaders globally may soon confront.

“Currently, there’s a 100% likelihood of a small drone assault on air bases in the US or UK,” stated Robert Bunker, a consultant for US firm C/O Futures. “A group with intention and capability is needed. This is a very modest expectation.”

The Ukrainian security service SBU reported that 117 first-person view drones were deployed in the attack, each carrying several kilograms of explosives provided by racing quadcopters. Last year, countries produced approximately 1.5 million of these drones for battlefield applications, each costing a few hundred dollars. Although they typically have a range of about 20 km, Operation Spider-Web demonstrated their capability to reach target areas and operate remotely.

The assault did not catch US defense analysts off-guard. According to Zachary Karenbourne, who authored a 2019 analysis on potential threats to strategic bombers: “Ukraine’s operation had a much broader scope and impact than I anticipated. I initially believed such an attack was merely part of a larger assault on enemy nuclear assets, but Ukraine managed to neutralize 34% of its nuclear bomber fleet with an exceptionally coordinated effort.”

What steps should nations undertake to shield themselves against comparable assaults? Generally, there are three strategies: physical barriers, electronic defenses, and kinetic measures.

The initial approach seems straightforward—erect physical defenses to deter drones. Some Russian aircraft targeted by Ukraine were stationed in bays protected by concrete blast walls or earthen berms meant to shield against ground explosions. However, these measures do not safeguard against aerial strikes. Russia is currently racing to construct hardened aircraft shelters, which are costly, running into millions and sufficiently large for fighters. There was an assumption that larger strategic bombers could forgo this protection, as they were expected to remain distant from frontlines and threats.

Anti-drone nets represent a more economical solution and have been adopted by both Ukraine and Russia in battlefield scenarios. Reportedly, Russian authorities have recommended implementing such barriers in airspace. However, following the Ukrainian strike, the challenge is that these nets can be easily dismantled.

“The net provides decent defense against initial UAS [Uncrewed Aerial System] attacks,” Bunker notes. Yet, given the low cost of drones, attackers can launch a first wave to neutralize the net before proceeding with subsequent strikes.

What about electronic defenses? Both Russia and Ukraine are currently utilizing jamming technologies to disrupt the communication between drones and their operators. While this can be effective in wartime, jammers typically function over limited ranges, necessitating comprehensive coverage of the airbase. “They need to be deployed and monitored around the clock,” Bunker indicates.

This approach has its complications. The operations of Spider-Web employed commercial mobile networks, but attackers can utilize any frequency to command the drone, so blanket jamming of all channels might not be feasible. “Jammers can disrupt friendly communications,” warns Karenbourne. “To forestall such assaults, we may have to endure increased risks to our own operations.”

Moreover, the SBU claims that the drones were designed to anticipate jamming and were outfitted with AI systems enabling them to reach their targets autonomously. Such drones are virtually impervious to jamming.

This leaves kinetic measures as a final defense. Known as shooting down drones, Russian airfields were fortified against conventional aerial attacks via surface-to-air missile systems and mobile anti-aircraft units, but these were ill-equipped to detect or engage small drones.

“A weaponry system designed for this task demands advanced acquisition and targeting capabilities to be effective against armed drones,” Bunker states. “If operated by humans, they need to be distributed strategically across the facility for defense and manned continuously.”

Auto-defense mechanisms present promising options, and Ukraine is already deploying AI-driven anti-drone machine gun turrets to safeguard cities from Russian assaults involving substantial Shahed drones. However, at an expense of around $100,000 each, these turrets can be easily surpassed by smaller, more affordable drones utilized in the Spider-Web operation. “A swarm of drones could well succeed,” Karenbourne admits.

In summary, while there is no definitive solution, militaries urgently need to discover ways to mitigate this looming threat. A recent statement from a US Air Force General to the Senate Committee noted that in 2024 alone, over 350 unauthorized drones infiltrated military installations across the United States. Moreover, American bases in the UK have reported similar drone incursions.

“While many may be hobbyists, at least some are definitely adversaries,” adds Karenbourne. These hostile drones are likely engaging in intelligence-gathering rather than attempts to strike. “If we were in a conflict with China, that might change dramatically.”

This indicates that operations akin to Spider-Web could easily be replicated, in Russia or elsewhere. “This issue extends far beyond a significant vulnerability,” Bunker concludes. “Current defenses cannot be adequately reinforced. The situation is deteriorating rapidly.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Dublin Minnow Levels Up with Drone Delivery, Taking on Amazon Giants

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oThe NE drone is lifted into the sky in a shopping centre outside Dublin, then another shopping centre. They rise to 70 feet (21 meters), tilted forward and zipped in different directions, each carrying a paper bag.

On sleepy mornings in the Irish capital, takeoffs became stable every few minutes, with few people exchanging the constant flow of aircraft.

“No one looks up – no one looks up,” says Bobby Healy, director and founder of Dublin’s startup Mannaaero.

People should probably be aware that drones are part of an effort to realize the ambitions shared by Amazon, Google Sister Company Wing, California Startup Zipline: Instant and Autonomous Home Delivery. Healy and his big tech rivals hope that drone distribution will change courses in Ireland’s retail industry and will soon be transformed into the UK this year.

Drones have already had a huge impact, from photography to light shows, humanitarian missions to wars in Ukraine. The promise is clear. Skip the Earth’s crowds. But companies now have to persuade investors and the public. Previous Wing trials in Australia faced public opposition.

“In the suburbs, those delivery drivers are broken models,” says Bobby Healy, founder of Manna Aero. Photo: Patrick Bolger/Guardian

Amazon operates in Texas, Arizona and Italy, and is seeking permission to fly drones from British warehouses, but Wings are already operating in several countries. However, Manaero seems right in the mix. We flew 200,000 delivery services in Blancherstown, outside Dublin, and Helsinki, Finland. Working with Just Eat and Doordash helps to expand and attract businesses such as restaurants, tool stores, and bookstores.

In Manna’s app, the Guardian orders two coffees to be borrowed and delivered to the rented house. Spots on the horizon gradually resolve to a quadcopter as you gazed through the skyline of Dublin’s suburban. It approaches the garden, hoveres temporarily, then drops a paper bag onto the biodegradable strings. The drone flies off and leaves behind two warm, unpainted coffees.

The coffee arrived 16 minutes after I ordered it from the app, including preparation time. This is compared to the preparation time and minimum 11 minutes for those who offer the same thing on an e-bike.

Importantly, drones do not need to be hanging around humans. This means lowering energy, says Healy. Each aircraft makes about 80 deliveries a day, he says — more than twice what delivery drivers and riders generally do. In addition to that, Drone “pilots” can oversee up to 20 aircraft at a time, Healy adds.

Autonomous drones mean fewer people need it. “Pilots” can oversee up to 20 aircraft at a time, says Manna CEO. Photo: Patrick Bolger/Guardian

Autonomous drone

The drone is autonomous from the point that is given a loaded and lifted from the base. Six minutes later, on average, the drone arrived home and floated over the garden. The only intervention from the pilot is for the video to flick its back on the base to see if people or vehicles are exempt from the ground.

“In the suburbs, those delivery drivers are broken models,” Healy says. “There’s no way to do that with delivery drivers and make them profitable.”

Dubliner’s Healy describes himself as a “technical person.” He left school at the age of 17 to make video games and then started and sold six businesses. Recently, we have sold Cartrawler, which operates a vehicle rental service on the airline’s website. He founded Mana in 2018. Because he wanted to create “measurable impacts across the planet,” he took on the challenge of bringing the coder to create an autonomous drone.

The drones were designed by the Manna teams in Monmouth, Wales and Dublin and featured aerospace-grade parts, mainly made in China. Each weight is 23kg (51lb) (including up to 4kg of cargo), and is the weight that can fly in the US.

The Mana drone can carry cargo weighing up to 4 kg, and is sufficient to carry four 15-inch pizzas. Photo: Patrick Bolger/Guardian

Despite being “weight more difficult than weight”, it’s easy enough to carry four 15 inch pizzas for your family or transport some books. Delivery of one of Finland’s 24 toilet rolls had to be halved as they all didn’t fit. “It must have been an emergency,” Healy said.

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The drone has eight motors, but in the event of a disaster you can easily fly to four. There is also a built-in parachute, which has been used only once on 200,000 flights over four years, and European aerospace regulators have audited the company’s technology.

The drone works from a slung base with several shipping containers and 5 meters square fitted land Landing zone. Mana employees in the container prepare orders, charge the batteries that are replaced after each flight, and oversee the drops in a 2.1 mile (3.4 km) circle.

Expansion plan

Mana’s catchment covers 150,000 people in Blanchardstown. By the end of the year, the company expects to cover approximately 1 million people across Dublin. It is most of the city outside the centre, and for now there are fewer shorter distances and fewer drop gardens, excludes mana. (While rooftop delivery in the city centre holds promises, there seems to be an unlikely idea of ​​delivery to a flat on the fourth floor.) By the end of the year, Healy hopes to reach a rate of 2 million flights per year.

Mana has flew 200,000 delivery services in Blanchardstown, on the outskirts of Dublin and Helsinki, Finland. Photo: Patrick Bolger/Guardian

According to Healy, UK launches are supported by regulations, but if EU drone standards are adopted on April 1, they will “undetectedly” open the door in 2026 this year. Instead, businesses pay a fee.

Mana still has many obstacles. Currently, each flight is profitable, but the expansion costs are still high for companies that add losses. So far, it has been featured as an investor with Patrick Collison, founder of Coca-Cola and fintech company Stripe, wearing shoes worth 60 million euros in venture capital money.

Healy also knows that some people will acknowledge the idea of ​​instant retail satisfaction. Although birds know they’ll move away, the company may have to solve the problem of avoiding rival operator aircraft in the future.

However, Healy is creepy about the future of drone delivery.

“It would allow for a completely different form of commerce than what we have today,” he says. “Small business people beating the Giants. If they can get everything going in three minutes, they have Amazon Slayer.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

UK AI startup with government ties creating military drone technology using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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The company has collaborated closely with the UK government on artificial intelligence safety, the NHS, and education. They are also working on AI development for military drones.

Their defense industry partners note that Faculty AI has experience in developing and deploying AI models on UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).

Faculty is one of the most active companies offering AI services in the UK. Unlike other companies like OpenAI and Deepmind, they do not develop their own models, focusing instead on reselling models from OpenAI and providing consulting services on their use in government and industry.

The company gained recognition in the UK for their work on data analysis during the Vote Leave campaign before the Brexit vote. This led to their involvement in government projects during the pandemic, with their CEO Mark Warner participating in meetings of the government’s scientific advisory committee.

Under former chancellor Rishi Sunak, Faculty Science has been testing AI models for the UK government’s AI Safety Institute (AISI), established in 2023.

Governments worldwide are racing to understand the safety implications of AI, particularly in the context of military applications such as equipping drones with AI for various purposes.

In a press release, British startup Hadean announced a partnership with Faculty AI to explore AI capabilities in defense, including subject identification, object movement tracking, and autonomous swarming.

Faculty’s work with Hadeen does not involve targeting weapons, according to their statements. They emphasize their expertise in AI safety and ethical application of AI technologies.

The company collaborates with AISI and government agencies on various projects, including investigating the use of large-scale language models for identifying undesirable conduct.

The Faculty, led by Chief Executive Mark Warner, continues to work closely with AISI. Photo: Al Tronto/Faculty AI

Faculty has incorporated models like ChatGPT, developed in collaboration with OpenAI, into their projects. Concerns have been raised about their collaborations with AISI and possible conflicts of interest.

The company stresses its commitment to AI safety and ethical deployment of AI technologies across various sectors, including defense.

They have secured contracts with multiple government departments, including the NHS, Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Education, and Department for Culture, Media and Sport, generating significant income.

Experts caution about the responsibility of technology companies in AI development and the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest in projects like AISI.

The Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology has not provided specific details on commercial contracts with the company.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Likely Just a Plane: Drone Expert Recommends Calm Approach Following New Jersey Sighting

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aFirst, mysterious lights were spotted flashing across the New Jersey night sky in mid-November. These sightings then extended to New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and even as far as Louisiana, Florida, and Arizona. Eye witnesses in Virginia Beach reported seeing flying objects unlike anything they had seen before, prompting speculation and concern.

The origin and control of these flying objects remain a mystery, with many pointing towards the possibility of drones. Lawmakers like Rep. Pat Ryan and Representative Chris Smith have expressed worry about the national security implications and the sophistication of these drones.

Don’t panic, experts say

Experts in drone technology and national security are advising calmness amidst the rising concerns. They explain that the situation in New Jersey may be a result of misunderstandings, lack of concrete information, and confusion about identifying drones in the night sky.

November 2024: Drones spotted flying over Bernardsville, New Jersey

A joint statement from federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, FAA, and Department of Defense, clarified that the reported sightings were a mix of legal drones, planes, helicopters, and misidentified “fake drones.”

While the flurry of drone sightings has caused some alarm, officials emphasized that there is no immediate threat to national security or public safety. They continue to investigate the matter.

Drone Panic transforms an ordinary plane into a drone

Just before Thanksgiving, reports emerged of drones hovering over northern New Jersey, creating a sense of unease in the community. This led to an increase in people observing the night sky, resulting in more drone sightings in the Northeast.

The surge in drone reports coincides with air traffic delays at nearby airports, potentially exacerbating the situation. Experts highlight the need for accurate identification of drones to prevent unnecessary panic.

December 5, 2024: Evening sky and unidentified lights near Lebanon Township, New Jersey

Loss of vision at night makes the problem worse

Poor visibility at night can lead to optical illusions in the sky, making it challenging to distinguish between drones and other aircraft. Experts caution against jumping to conclusions and urge the use of technology to verify drone sightings.

Federal agencies have deployed radar systems to detect drones, aiming to provide clarity and reassurance to the public. They emphasize that the majority of drones in the airspace are recreational or hobbyist, with only a small fraction posing potential threats.

Alleviating fear of drones

Efforts to address the drone concerns have been made by temporarily suspending drone flights in New Jersey and providing informational resources. Federal agencies are actively tracking drones and ensuring airspace safety.

Experts classify drone threats into categories of ignorance, carelessness, and criminal intent. They emphasize the importance of accurate identification and caution against overreacting to drone sightings.

How to actually spot a drone

Distinguishing between drones and planes based on their flight patterns is crucial, as drones exhibit agile movements not seen in traditional aircraft. Utilizing technology like drone scanners can aid in identifying drones accurately.

Experts recommend verifying drone sightings before reporting them to authorities, as misidentifications can lead to unnecessary panic. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of drones is essential in mitigating public concerns.

Don’t shoot the drone

Calls to shoot down drones from public officials raise concerns about safety and legality. Experts caution against such actions, as they can pose risks to bystanders and create further complications.

The closure of airspace due to drone sightings indicates a proactive response from authorities to potential threats. Experts emphasize the need for accurate reporting and response protocols to address drone-related incidents effectively.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Rumors of Disturbing Drone Sightings in New Jersey Spark Interest

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KIle Breeze, 36, works remotely for an insurance company and lives in Ocean Township, New Jersey, a quiet suburb with tree-covered streets not far from the beach. Last Saturday night, he was inside his house with his wife and two children, let his elderly dog ​​Bruce out into the backyard, and then looked up.

There was an unmistakable floating object in the sky. It’s not as high as a planet or star, but it’s about as high as an airplane.

“It’s not just an airplane hovering there,” he explained. “What it looked like, it was so high up that it was hard to see, but it was like a red light and a white light.”

Brees said he and his wife had seen others on their way to dinner the previous day. Her mother, Luan, 68, said she also saw bright white and red lights floating in the night sky.

“To me, it’s like they’re looking for something,” Luan said of the drones. “My concern is that we have an ammunition base here in New Jersey.”

The Brees family isn’t the only one noting the disturbing activity of drones and some types of airborne vehicles popping up across the state. Thousands of people have called local police, the FBI and even the Department of Defense about the relentless swarm of drones that suddenly appeared in New Jersey airspace last month.

“The FBI has received more than 5,000 reports of drone sightings in the past few weeks, resulting in approximately 100 leads, and the federal government is assisting state and local authorities in investigating these reports. ” said a joint statement released by the FBI and the department. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Federal Aviation Administration.

“We have sent advanced detection technology into the area, and we have sent trained visual observers.”

So far, authorities have remained tight-lipped. Everything authorities see looks like a combination of a hobbyist drone, a helicopter, an airplane, and a star, he said. But Neighbors, created by the company that created Ring surveillance cameras, allowed New Jersey residents to spam the app, which is used for crime and safety updates, with videos of floating orbs and suspicious night lights. are.

Some say they are aliens who infiltrated Iranian drones originating from a mothership off the Atlantic coast. Maybe it’s a secret weapon experiment.

“I heard it was Al Qaeda,” one man who lives near Ocean Township, an off-duty firefighter who did not want to be identified, told the Guardian.

Whatever it is, residents of the Garden State, known for legendary rock stars Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen, are buzzing about drones.

The consensus was that while it was strange at first, there was no need to worry. Well, most people want answers.

Sightings are common during the summer in coastal towns like Asbury Park, a popular vacation destination. There are rumors among local residents that drones don’t come out when it rains and that they originate from the sea.

“I started watching it two weeks ago,” said Garrett Openshaw, 24, who works as a maintenance worker at the Asbury Hotel near the waterfront. “In front of the press”

On a cold night in early December, he went out onto the roof of his hotel. Folded beach chairs are usually spread out on the rooftop for sunbathing during the warmer months. As I stared out into the open ocean, I saw the unmistakable red, green, and white lights that I remember seeing as at least 12 sedan-sized drones flying all at once.

“There’s always something going on in this town,” said Colin Lynch, 26, the hotel’s food and beverage manager, who witnessed the drone swarm with Openshaw. “It’s hard to tell if they’re just filming a movie or something else.”

In between discussions of UFOs and government secrets, Asbury Park residents also gossip about celebrity sightings in the city, which is the location for a Springsteen biopic starring Jeremy Allen White.

“Look at this,” Openshaw said as he toggled through the drone’s homemade video, landing on a photo of him and Allen White from the start.

At Frank’s Deli, a popular diner and recent filming location for the film, staff members are excitedly discussing the theories behind the sightings.

“They’re having kind of a drone watching party on Long Beach Island,” said Daniel Coyle, a diner server wearing a green and red Christmas hat. She said some of her colleagues and friends, “men in their 40s,” had gone to the coastal island to look for drone sightings.

Some people in town have more sinister questions.

At Kim Marie’s, a local Irish bar with a low wooden ceiling a block from the boardwalk, people were commenting on the drones. Kathy Miller, 26, said she saw two drones near Monroe, where she lives, and showed a video of the moment.

“We’re looking at two people, one close together, one far away, and the second one turns the exact same corner 30 or 40 seconds apart, chasing it. ” she said in the video’s voiceover.

Miller continued: “Then I saw two more people, and they were all turning the same corner. I think there were five or six in total…I heard a hum, but it was pretty low, not that high. Probably 200 or 300 feet.

Miller said her TikTok and Instagram feeds are filled with similar cell phone videos, and rightly pointed out that she can’t tell if some of them were generated by artificial intelligence.

“It’s so hard to know now,” she said. “I saw a video of them firing at something and I thought, ‘Is that fake or is it really real?'” Impersonation is so easy now. ”

But for Brees, the lights lurking in the sky overlooking his town are both very real and disconcerting.

“It’s weird because I have kids,” he said. “Are they filming or is this a creepy thing happening with the camera?”

Source: www.theguardian.com

The mystery of the unidentified drone soaring over America

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Unidentified drone flies over US military facility

US Navy/Ensign Drew Barbis

A mysterious drone has been flying over New Jersey and neighboring states for a month. they were discovered some us military facility. They are filmed on video from the top of residential and apartment buildings. A swarm was seen chasing a U.S. Coast Guard rescue vessel at the same time New Jersey State Police reported 50 drones arrived on land from the sea. But no one seems to know who's behind the wheel or whether it's an organized effort.

The case has attracted the attention of state governors, legislators and even members of the U.S. Congress, and the FBI has launched an investigation. investigationis asking the public to report sightings.

Witnesses say the drones are as noisy as lawnmowers, some are the size of a small car, and are much louder than the typical quadcopter and multicopter drones that anyone can buy. “These are not necessarily just hobbyist small unmanned aircraft systems that you can buy for $2,000,” he says. Daniel Gerstein at the RAND Corporation, a think tank in California. “These feel like they have longer range and are more sophisticated than what you can get at a hobby shop.”

Blurry nighttime videos are popping up all over social media sharing drone sightings in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, including videos of drones in the sky. It is. Verrazzano Narrows Bridge in New York City. Federal Aviation Administration Drone flight restrictions issued following reports of drone activity over both the Trump National Golf Club and the Picatinny Arsenal military base in New Jersey. This sighting coincides with other drone swarms that have recently appeared near British military bases where US Air Force squadrons operate.

On December 10th, the House Homeland Security Committee held a meeting. hearing He met with officials from the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Department of Justice about the drone threat. Officials said recent sightings may include a mix of rotary-wing and fixed-wing drones, but they aren't sure what the drones are doing or who is piloting them. Little information was available. However, he said drones are not yet a serious threat. Separately Briefing session According to information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the agency told lawmakers some sightings may have mistaken the aircraft for a drone.

Mayor Ryan Hurd, from New Jersey, said: said ABC News Live Officials said they confirmed that these were not U.S. military drones and were not operated by a U.S. tech company.

Meanwhile, in the UK, Defense Secretary Vernon Coker told parliament last month that authorities: Under investigation Since November 20th, multiple drone intrusions have occurred near several military bases in the UK. These bases support U.S. Air Force squadrons that fly fighters, bombers, and support aircraft.

“The common theme in all of these incidents is that no one has completely cracked the code on how to spot, track, and, if necessary, shoot down small drones,” he said. arthur holland michelJournalist and author who writes about drones. “The second common theme is that the challenge of countering a drone is through the roof when the person operating the drone is actively trying to avoid being identified.”

Although drones can be tracked with radar and other sensors, “it is still not practical to cover every corner of the country with detection and tracking systems,” and officials say “most of our country's airspace does not allow drones at all.” Michel says that they are often “unrecognizable.” “Typically, by the time a citizen spots a drone and reports it or photographs it with a cell phone, it is too late.” [to take early action]” he says.

Gerstein said there is uncertainty about who has the primary authority and responsibility to take action against these drones, between local law enforcement and state and federal agencies. Even if they are resolved, finding the best way to deal with them is not easy.

Either directly shoot down the drone using missiles, lasers, bullets, or even other drones, or take control of the suspicious drone and use electronic warfare signals to force it to land, Gerstein said. There are many countermeasures against drones. Such techniques have been commonly used during the drone-heavy war in Ukraine, while U.S. Navy warships and other naval vessels shot down dozens of drones threatening shipping in the Red Sea region.

“When shooting down a drone, the most effective method is often the most dangerous,” Michel said. “There is no way law enforcement could fire a sophisticated projectile into the air or activate a military signal jammer every time a drone is spotted flying overhead.” [New Jersey]”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New discoveries made through drone footage of gray whales feeding habits

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Drone footage of a gray whale captured off the coast of Oregon over a seven-year period reveals new details about how the giant marine mammal finds and eats its food.

The findings, described in two studies published this summer, include that gray whales use different swimming techniques to gather food depending on their size and age, and that larger whales are able to swim more easily in the water. It includes a high chance of spitting out a “bubble explosion” to stay in place.

“Until this study, we thought all whales exhibited this behavior,” said Clara Byrd, lead author of both studies and a research scientist at Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Research Institute. said. “No one thought there was a pattern to who behaved in what way.”

Bird's research also found that whales use different predation techniques depending on the depth at which they forage and the habitat of their prey. Such information could inform future conservation efforts, she said, as it provides insight into the types of habitats that need to be protected to maintain whales' access to food.

“While we are not currently actively seeking to protect specific habitats, future concerns include the possibility that whales of different ages may not all be using the same habitats. “It's very important to know,” Bird said. “It will help us manage them in the future.”

Drone footage of gray Wales shows them standing on their heads and exploding bubbles.
oregon state university

Some gray whale populations are designated as an endangered species Under the Endangered Species Act. The entire species was once at risk of extinction due to commercial hunting. Gray whales were once common in the Northern Hemisphere, but are now only regularly seen in the North Pacific Ocean. As of 2016, just under 27,000 of them are estimated to be in the region. According to a 2020 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Whales eat amphipod crustaceans, such as small shrimp and earthworms. These creatures suck up water and sediment from the ocean floor where they live and use their whiskers to filter and consume food. Gray whales are usually observed alone or in small groups, but large groups can sometimes be seen on feeding and breeding grounds.

Bird and her team conducted a survey off the coast of Newport. During their seven-year voyage, the group used drones to track and record individual whales. They used identification markers such as scars, spots, and tail shapes to identify specific whales.

The first study that resulted from that research was Published in Animal Behavior magazine in Julyfocused on changes in whale foraging behavior depending on size and habitat.

The research team tracked 78 gray whales in a total of 160 sightings from 2016 to 2022. In drone footage, young, small whales were observed often swimming sideways or facing forward, opening and closing their mouths in an attempt to find and ingest food. . Older, larger whales, on the other hand, tended to dive and then stay in place with their heads down, in what scientists describe as a “handstand technique.”

As whales grow larger, the probability of such headstands increases, but the probability of forward swimming tactics decreases, the study found. Water depth and habitat type, including rocky, sandy, and coral reefs, also influenced the whales' approach.

Drone images show a gray whale using a sidestroke technique to forage for food.
oregon state university

Bird believes the switch in technique is due to the maturation of the whale's muscles and its level of strength and coordination.

Her team's second study was published Published in Ecology and Evolution In August, we explained how older, larger whales emit air through their blowholes to stay underwater as they forage.

These “bubble explosions” can reduce the whale's buoyancy and help it sink. Larger whales have a greater need for this because their lungs hold more air, contain more fat, and are easier to float.

The discovery was based on observations of 75 whales. On average, the bubble explosions occurred 27 seconds after the whale dove took off in search of food, and most were observed while the whales were doing a handstand. The older and larger the whale, the more likely such an explosion will occur.

“Combining size and individual-level behavior in this way is a really interesting part of this study,” Bird said.

Susan Parks, a biology professor at Syracuse University who has published research on whale eating habits but was not involved in the new study, said documenting the diversity among whale species is important for scientists. said that it helps avoid inaccurate generalizations.

“When working on conservation efforts and protecting endangered species, it's really important to understand that there can be large variations in behavior,” Parks said. “So you can't just stop at a single observation.”

The park also highlighted the potential drones have for collecting detailed data about whales.

“There is so much we don’t know about whale behavior,” she said, adding that the study “uses drone footage to essentially monitor whale behavior to help explain how whales make a living.” “It gave us a completely different perspective on the details of what's going on,” he added.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Drone camera captures Lion’s historic swim across Channel

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Brothers Jacob and Tiv in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Alex Blaczkowski

A pair of lion brothers have completed the longest recorded swim of their kind, crossing waters infested with hippos and crocodiles for around 1.5km.

The swim, the equivalent of an Olympic triathlon, was the duo’s fourth attempt to cross the Kazinga Channel in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park and was recorded at night with a thermal camera mounted on a drone.

The lions had to abandon an earlier attempt after encountering a larger animal, possibly a hippopotamus or Nile crocodile, which was also seen on footage.

What makes the effort even more amazing is that one of the lions, named Jacob, only has three legs.

Jacob says he’s had a very difficult life. Alexander Bratskovsky While at Griffith University in Australia, he was gored by a buffalo, his family was poisoned to sell lion parts, he was caught in a poacher’s trap and eventually lost his leg to a poacher’s iron trap.

Catching the swimming scene on film was unexpected, as Braczkowski and his colleagues were actually keeping an eye on the two lions to determine whether Tibu, Jacob’s brother, was feeding and supporting his sibling.

“The brotherhood of lions goes far beyond the limitations of an injury like losing a leg,” Blaczkowski said.

The researchers believe the brothers probably crossed the strait to reach a lioness whose roaring they had heard two kilometers away. They say the crossing was a straight line of 1.1 kilometers, but taking into account maneuvers, they estimate the lions swam closer to 1.5 kilometers.

“It’s amazing to see the individual capabilities and courage of different species in passing on their genes,” Blaczkowski said. “A human being can’t swim across that channel in the middle of the night, but a lion, even a three-legged lion who has had almost everything taken from him, will jump in.”

Braczkowski said the lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park were under huge pressure from as many as 60,000 people living within its boundaries, as well as cattle farming, wildlife poaching and the occasional agricultural crop cultivation.

“The lion population in the park has almost halved from 72 to 39 in the past five years, so male lions are spending a lot of their time searching for new females,” he said.

Females are more vulnerable because they tend to congregate in larger groups, and leaving the poisoned carcasses increases the risk of multiple deaths, he added.

“The ratio in the park is currently one female to two males, but in a healthy population it should be one male to two females.”

Team Members Duane Biggs Researchers from Northern Arizona University say long-term solutions need to be found to protect both people and lions in the park.

“The three-legged lion swimming through crocodile-infested waters in search of a mate and caught in a poacher’s trap is a symbol of a protected area in distress,” he said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Dragonfly: NASA’s Drone Mission Set for 2028

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Dragonfly Mission

An artist’s impression of a dragonfly flying over the dunes of Saturn’s moon Titan. NASA has cleared the mission team to proceed with development for a July 2028 launch.Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben

The Dragonfly mission is moving toward building nuclear-powered drones. SaturnThe satellite Titan is aiming to be launched in 2028. The mission, which will involve extensive collaboration and technological advances, aims to investigate Titan’s organic matter and its potential links to life.

NASA’s Dragonfly mission team is moving forward with the next stage of development of an innovative car-sized nuclear-powered drone that plans to fly and land over the organic-rich sands of Saturn’s large moon Titan.

NASA has cleared Dragonfly to proceed with design and manufacturing work on its final mission, known as Phase C. The launch preparation date was revised to July 2028.

Artist’s impression of a dragonfly on the surface of Titan. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL

Overcome challenges and prepare for Titan: “The Dragonfly team successfully overcame many technical and programmatic challenges in this bold attempt to collect new science on Titan,” said Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

Dragonfly, NASA’s only mission to the surface of another oceanic world, is designed to probe the complex chemistry that is the precursor to life. It will be equipped with cameras, sensors and samplers to survey the area. The water froze on the surface of the ice.

Artist’s impression of a dragonfly flying over Titan. Credit: Johns Hopkins University/APL

Teamwork and technical milestones: “Dragonfly is a very bold experiment that has never been done before,” said Elizabeth “Zibi” Turtle, Dragonfly principal investigator at APL.

Saturn’s largest satellite that will collect data in 2028. Credit: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Collaborative initiatives and future expectations: “The dedication of the Dragonfly team was nothing short of heroic,” said Bobby Brown, APL Director of Space Exploration.

APL manages NASA’s Dragonfly mission. The team includes key partners from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado; Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin Corporation. NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California. NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. Marine Space Science Systems (San Diego, California); Honeybee Robotics, Pasadena, California; NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. French Space Agency (CNES) in Paris. German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne, Germany. and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in Tokyo.



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Source: scitechdaily.com