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Rotor Report: Weekly Drone News (January 27, 2025)

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Surge in Drone Sightings in the Northeast US

Drone activity in New Jersey and New York has resurged following the lifting of flight restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Enigma Labs has received over 100 reports of drone sightings across the US in the past three weeks, with a significant concentration in the Northeast.

Since December, they have documented 22,000 sightings, primarily in this region. The reports include observations of objects hovering for extended periods and instances of swarms comprising five or more drones. The FAA's temporary restrictions had led to a 43% decrease in sightings, but numbers have increased since the limitations were lifted.

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President Trump Seeks Answers Amid Surge in Unexplained Drone Sightings

President Trump has vowed to investigate the rise in mysterious drone sightings across the US, particularly in New Jersey, where drones have been reported near his Bedminster club. Federal authorities, including the FBI and DHS, are probing the phenomenon, but investigations have yet to link the drones to foreign actors or malicious activities.

Out of thousands of tips received, only a small fraction have warranted deeper scrutiny, with many sightings potentially being misidentified aircraft. Drone expert Dr. Will Austin highlights the need for public education on drone regulations and identification to address growing public anxiety.

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Amazon Seeks Approval for Drone Deliveries in Northeast England

Amazon has applied to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for permission to initiate drone deliveries from its warehouse in Darlington, County Durham. The proposed service, Prime Air, aims to offer same-day deliveries to customers within a 7.5-mile radius of the warehouse. Eligible customers would undergo a home inspection and have a landing pad installed to facilitate drone deliveries. This move follows Amazon's earlier trials in the UK, including its first commercial drone delivery in Cambridge nearly eight years ago.

Currently, Prime Air operates in select locations in the US and Italy, despite facing challenges such as drone crashes in Oregon. Amazon's initiative aligns with broader industry efforts in the UK, with companies like Royal Mail testing drone services to remote areas and BT developing a drone corridor project.

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Connecticut Moves to Ban Drone Purchases from China and Russia


Connecticut Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), titled "An Act Concerning Consumer Protection and Safety," aims to enhance the privacy, safety, and financial security of Connecticut residents, as well as to protect the state's infrastructure. It includes a provision that prohibits state agencies in Connecticut from purchasing drones manufactured by China and Russia.

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Iran Unveils Its Largest Military Drone, 'The Gaza'

Iran has showcased its most extensive drone to date, named "The Gaza," during a significant military drill. The drone features a 22-meter wingspan, weighs over 3,000 kg, and can carry a payload of 13 bombs. It is capable of operating continuously for 35 hours at speeds up to 350 km/h. Footage released by Iran demonstrates the drone performing various maneuvers and deploying bombs with precision.

Officially designated as the Shahed-149, the drone boasts a range of 1,000 km and utilizes advanced AI-enabled bombing systems. It is believed to incorporate Chinese or Russian navigation systems, avoiding reliance on GPS. This development continues Iran's pattern of replicating US drone technology, as seen with previous models like the Shahed 171 Simorgh, modeled after a captured U.S. RQ-170.

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China Tests Large Cargo Drone Capable of Carrying One Tonne

China has introduced a massive cargo drone, the CH-YH1000, nicknamed the "pickup truck of the sky," capable of carrying one tonne of cargo. The drone recently passed its "full-load taxiing test," a crucial step before its inaugural flight. Designed to autonomously taxi down a runway without human control, the drone resembles a passenger plane and features two propellers, three wheels, strong engines, and a nose door and belly hatch for easy cargo handling.

Initiated in March 2024 and showcased in November at the Zhuhai Airshow, the drone aims to provide efficient air transportation to remote regions with challenging logistics, offering a cost-effective and time-saving solution. It is equipped with advanced anti-hacking software and safety protocols to prevent unauthorized interference. The team is now preparing for the first flight test, progressing towards achieving efficient and secure air transportation.

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Ukraine's Game-Changing Drone Motherships Revolutionize Warfare

Ukraine is pioneering advancements in drone warfare by developing unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) capable of deploying aerial drones. In a recent operation, the Ukrainian navy utilized a satellite-controlled USV to target Russian-occupied oil platforms in the Black Sea. This innovation signifies a strategic evolution, enabling USVs to serve as "motherships" that can launch aerial drones for various missions, including reconnaissance and combat operations.

The integration of USVs and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represents a significant shift in modern warfare tactics, highlighting Ukraine's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in its defense strategy.

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