Researchers at Northwestern University of Technology in China claim to have developed a method to use high-energy lasers to keep drones in the air indefinitely.
The Jetpack Aviation Speeder, one of the tiniest jets ever built, could soon receive its airworthiness certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration and become the first licensed powered airplane. The aircraft uses eight tiny but powerful jet engines to lift its pilots off the ground.
Walmart’s drone delivery program is expanding nicely. According to the company, shoppers in seven US states – Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia – now have the option. The option is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for $4. For this money, a customer-ordered package weighing up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) will arrive at the address within a half hour. This delivery limit, by the way, covers the vast majority of items typically purchased for small purchases.
Electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, or Evtols, have garnered significant attention in recent years as a potential solution to the problems of urban transportation. These aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically, like helicopters, but are powered by electric batteries rather than fossil fuels. They have the potential to revolutionize the way we travel in and between cities, offering a fast and efficient alternative to cars, buses, and trains.
The increasing demand for energy efficiency and the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles have also driven the development of electric motor technology in recent years. The motors used in these applications must be able to deliver high power and torque while also being lightweight and compact. As a result, there has been a focus on developing high-performance electric motors that can meet these demanding requirements.
The goal is to have the Midnight, a local take-off and landing vehicle designed for use in urban transportation, ready for production by 2024. Stellantis and Archer Aviation are partnering to bring the Midnight to market and potentially launch the new taxi service in New York in 2025.







