France Archives

Franco-UK plan for police drones against illegal Channel crossings nixed over privacy rights concerns

Bruce Crumley - Jul. 27th 2021 2:20 am PT

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The latest innovation to battle thousands of migrants attempting illegal Channel crossings from northern France to England has been thwarted on legal grounds. Plans to fly police drones detecting and monitoring the organization and launch of illicit passages have been grounded by French laws as violating individual privacy rights.

Blessed are the pilots: France’s villages turn to drones to steam clean churches

Bruce Crumley - Jul. 22nd 2021 4:52 am PT

France drone services

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Some stories provide great examples of “drones for good” activity. This one might be described more as “drones for God.” A small village in the southwest of France this week deployed a drone to clean the façade, roof, and bell tower of its church in a mission usually carried out by scaffolding-perched workers. The time and costs saved in that were nothing short of miraculous.

France’s Thales successfully tests long-distance automated drone

Bruce Crumley - Jul. 8th 2021 3:43 am PT

Drone France enterprise drones Thales

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French defense and aerospace group Thales has announced the successful testing of a long-range drone prototype that can fly missions of up to 100 kilometers. The company says the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is already compliant with European Special Condition Light Unmanned Aircraft Systems regulations for future drone flights over populated areas.

France tests anti-drone laser weapon for use at 2024 Olympics

Bruce Crumley - Jul. 8th 2021 2:07 am PT

Anti-drone (Counter-drone)Drone Defense France Summer Olympics

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France’s military successfully completed advanced testing of its anti-drone laser weaponry, and said the country plans on deploying the tech around the country within a couple years. Officials said they hoped to have drone-blasting energy defense systems up and running in time for the France-hosted World Cup of Rugby in 2023, and the Paris Summer Olympics the following year.

English Channel travelers to get ‘flying ferry’ AAM service by 2028

Bruce Crumley - Jun. 17th 2021 4:42 am PT

Drone France UAM England AAMN

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If COVID-19 and Brexit hadn’t been bad enough blows to business, ferry boats transporting people between England and France are set to take another beating from tech. Electric-powered “flying ferry” planes are expected to begin cross-Channel passenger service in 2028.

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Just in time for summer: Drones essential for monitoring ski resorts

Bruce Crumley - Jun. 3rd 2021 9:47 am PT

DJI Search and Rescue France

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France’s Val Thorens is reputedly the largest and highest ski resort in Europe. It’s also one of the most advanced in the world in using drones to ensure its runs and infrastructure are as safe – and clients protected – as possible.