Tag: flight

ANELLO Photonics Launches Aerial INS at CES 2026

ANELLO Photonics, the creator of the Silicon Photonic Optical Gyroscope (SiPhOG™) and a leader in solid-state, high-precision inertial navigation systems, announces the launch of the ANELLO Aerial INS at CES 2026, a compact, high-performance inertial navigation system built around the company’s Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope technology and integrated with multi-band GNSS receivers.

The ANELLO Aerial INS is purpose-built for demanding aerial platforms – including BVLOS UAS, maritime/shipborne VTOL UAS, ISR/special-mission aircraft, heavy-lift and cargo drones and other autonomous aerial vehicles.  The system is powered by an advanced EKF-based sensor fusion engine and ANELLO flight-profile-tuned algorithms, consistently delivering >98% navigation accuracy without the need for cameras or fiber-optic cables.

The ANELLO Aerial INS delivers <0.5 deg/hr unaided heading drift, maintaining accurate navigation and control through high-dynamics and GNSS jamming, spoofing, or occlusion. ANELLO’s navigation solutions deliver assured performance in fully GNSS-denied environments – whether operating over water or desert corridors, in night or low-light missions, or through fog and cloud cover – maintaining precise guidance without GPS and enhancing the warfighter’s effectiveness and survivability.

“Customers flying real missions need resilient navigation when GPS isn’t reliable,” said Dr. Mario Paniccia, co-founder and CEO of ANELLO Photonics. “By combining our SiPhOGs with our airborne-optimized sensor-fusion algorithms and integrated multi-band GNSS, the ANELLO Aerial INS delivers accurate navigation solutions in a cost-effective SWaP-friendly package. This allows UAVs to hold course through GPS jamming, multipath, spoofing or outages using only ANELLO without the need for cameras or fiber-optic cables and allows the warfighter to complete their mission safely and successfully.”

ANELLO’s full product portfolio has been developed in close collaboration with customers and verified through comprehensive integration and mission-platform testing.

Key features of the ANELLO Aerial INS include:

  • High-precision 3-Axis SiPhOG™ optical gyros with < 0.5º/hr unaided heading drift for reliable dead-reckoning during GNSS outages
  • Dual triple-frequency all-constellation GNSS receivers with static heading capability; ready for RTK/PPP corrections
  • ANELLO Advanced Sensor Fusion Engine with GNSS spoofing detection; resilient holdover in GPS-denied or spoofed conditions
  • Flight-stack integration: PX4 and ArduPilot drivers; standard interfaces (Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422, CAN) and timing (PPS Out/PPS Sync In)
  • NMEA-Compliant GNSS Interface outputs NMEA navigation packets for seamless integration as a drop-in replacement for conventional GNSS receivers
  • Flight-Profile Optimization; Algorithms calibrated for BVLOS, ISR, VTOL and other autonomous aerial vehicles for accurate navigation
  • Rugged, Compact and Lightweight; Small footprint, low power consumption, vibration-tolerant design for multirotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL platforms.

“The ANELLO SiPhOG™ technology is a game changer for our warfighters. The ability to navigate in GPS-denied or spoofed environments without cameras or fiber-optic cables – in small, lightweight systems – is essential for future combat missions,” said Dan Magy, CEO at Firestorm. “The ANELLO team has developed an Aerial solution that seamlessly integrates into existing avionics with minimal effort. This type of capability is essential in today’s conflict areas where our adversaries actively disrupt GPS, making ANELLO a powerful upgrade for all modern aerial platforms.”

The launch of the ANELLO Aerial INS reinforces ANELLO’s focus on assured navigationin contested environments. By introducing a purpose-built airborne solution alongside its already proven ground and maritime inertial navigation systems, ANELLO Photonics extends its lead in GPS-denied navigation across land, air, and sea.  ANELLO products have been validated through multiple U.S. DoW operational test events and have been shipping to a vast array of customers.

The ANELLO Aerial INS is available for evaluation today with production shipments beginning Q2/2026. Evaluation kits include the ANELLO Aerial INS, cabling, drivers for PX4/ArduPilot, and a quick-start integration guide

Aer Lingus Unveils Major Mobile App Upgrade

Aer Lingus has unveiled a major refresh of its mobile app, as part of an extensive upgrade programme designed to transform the digital travel experience for its customers. This multi-million euro app investment is a key milestone in the airline’s broader digital vision to become a leader in customer-centric travel innovation.

The new and improved Aer Lingus app introduces several new features aimed at delivering a more seamless, intuitive and helpful experience for customers, especially on the day of travel. These enhancements were developed in close collaboration with a dedicated research panel of 1,300 Aer Lingus customers, ensuring that the upgrades reflect genuine passenger needs and preferences.

The mobile app upgrade has already resonated strongly with users, as reflected in the app’s jump in ratings, from 3 stars to 4.8 on Android and 4.7 on iOS. App downloads have also increased by one-third (33%) compared to the same period last year. Over 2.2 million people in Ireland and 3.5 million globally have used the Aer Lingus mobile app in the last 12 months, showing the growing importance of mobile-first options for customers.

 

Key app updates include:

  • Live Flight Status via Live Activities, viewable directly on users’ locked screens, keeping passengers informed in real-time.
  • Wayfinding Support through Dublin Airport and New York (JFK), providing easy navigation to gates and key amenities.
  • A Redesigned Home Screen, streamlining navigation for faster access to critical information.
  • A completely reimagined My Trips section, now featuring a travel assistant and streamlined access to trip extras, greatly improving the day-of-travel experience. Almost 90% of app users from a recent survey of 5,000 rated the improved My Trips section either 4 or 5 stars.

“Aer Lingus’ app upgrade is much more than just a facelift, it’s a major step forward in delivering a smarter, more personalised travel experience for our customers,” said Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus. “From real-time updates to in-airport navigation, we’re committed to improving every touchpoint of our customers’ journey. These improvements reflect our ongoing investment in digital innovation and our belief that technology plays a central role in creating the best possible travel experience.”

This latest app refresh is part of a larger, multi-year digital transformation initiative at Aer Lingus focused on using technology to simplify, support and enhance the end-to-end customer journey.

The Aer Lingus app is available to download on iOS and Android.

Viltrox’s AF 90mm F3.5 Lens for the DJI Inspire 3

Viltrox, a global leader in optical imaging innovation, is proud to announce its first-ever aerial lens – the Viltrox AF 90mm F3.5 with a native DL (DJI-compatible) mount, designed exclusively for the DJI Inspire 3 drone. This milestone in lens development builds upon Viltrox’s renowned reputation in ground-based photography and cinematography systems – and further emphasizes Viltrox’s commitment to the aerial imaging field.

The AF 90mm F3.5 DL features a native DL mount, for seamless integration into DJI’s professional aerial ecosystem. As Viltrox’s first 90mm lens – and the first 90mm telephoto lens for aerial cinematography – it delivers a unique mid-telephoto view with strong spatial compression and smooth subject separation, expanding creative options for drone filmmakers.

“We see this lens not just as a product, but as a declaration: Viltrox is now in the air,” said Kahn Wang, Director of Marketing at Viltrox, “We’ve spent years empowering photographers on the ground – and now we’re excited to also support creators looking for altitude, reach, and new perspectives.”

Designed for Flight, Engineered for Precision
Purpose-built for aerial use, this 90mm F3.5 lens strikes a fine balance between optical performance, lightweight construction, and gimbal compatibility. The lightweight 170g design assists with gimbal balance and flight performance.

Designed to work flawlessly with the DJI Inspire 3’s gimbal, this lens delivers sharp, stabilized images, even in demanding flight conditions.

Key design priorities for the Viltrox AF 90mm F3.5 DL include an optimized lightweight build for perfect balance with DJI Inspire 3 gimbals, and a robust structure engineered to withstand aerial vibrations. The lens delivers smooth focus control and edge-to-edge sharpness, ensuring professional results in demanding flight conditions.

Enriching the DJI Inspire 3’s Lens Ecosystem
As the DJI Inspire 3 continues to redefine what’s possible with drone cinematography, Viltrox is alongside, expanding user options with an optical tool tailored for mid-telephoto lens storytelling. The new AF 90mm F3.5 extends the lens options available to aerial directors, DPs, and content creators who aim to push their visual narratives even further.

Viltrox’s Strategic Leap into Aerial Imaging
This new product only marks the beginning of Viltrox’s innovation in air-based optical systems. From mirrorless mounts, and now to cinematic drone setups, the company is committed to building a complete image-making ecosystem – one that knows no limits and bridges ground and sky seamlessly.

Empowering Creators Everywhere
The Viltrox AF 90mm F3.5 DL isn’t just a new lens – it’s a total new perspective. Now, Viltrox is inviting inspired creators to explore altitude, compression, and cinematic depth in ways that were never before possible with aerial cinematography systems.

Other Viltrox news

More details and how to buy
For more information, please visit:

Viltrox Offical Store: https://geni.us/90dl_pr

Amazon Store:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHQBPTV8

EU: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0FHQBPTV8

MSRP: US$ 499 / EU: €568 / UK £489

Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone Review

The Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone is the latest drone for me to test out and as a fan of drones it is great to see what is on offer for your hard earned cash these days, this drone is no different and it is the easiest drone I have used to date. This drone is beginner friendly which can deactivated in the app, there is also AI here which we cant avoid these days for better takes of and landings.

The presentation is excellent with a carry case and extra bits inside meaning you can bring the case with you for keeping the drone safe when outdoors there is extra blades and several cables for connection purposes and one battery.

The drone itself is your standard affair when it comes to drone I guess, there is that many out there and lots built off a generic label so it might look familiar to some it is super light with or without the battery.

The control unit is a really good one with a cable built in to plug into your phone of choice this will work on Android and iOS devices and was tested on both, the control panel is kept simple for ease of use and allows to to manoeuvre the drone in any direction or way you like it can also track objects should you need to and holds steady in windy conditions, I had a sea breeze which was pretty gusty at times however the drone held its own and performed with out and issues.

Your phone will act as a viewfinder for the drone which is handy and it is really clear this might vary by your phones screen though I used a Google Pixel 9a and iPhone 16 for reference.

There is a wide variety of extras on the app which you can see below and in the video review most not required for my use but they are there and will come in handy going forward as I plan to use new tech in my videos and this will fit the bill. The battery life and range is also great I would suggest getting the 3 battery pack offer for an uninterrupted session.

The image and video results are excellent and so is the audio which can be seen below in the video and much more, overall this drone is easy to use even for first timers and pros alike and a great one to start with with a simple UI in the app, you will be set up in 5 mins or less and away you go but remember to drone safely and start in a big field or park before you venture some more.

RUKO U11 App

 

 

Key Features of the Ruko U11MINI 4K:

  • Under 250g – No FAA registration required, making it ideal for casual and professional users alike.
  • 8K Photo / 4K Video Resolution – Capture ultra-clear stills and videos.
  • 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal – Ensures smooth, stable footage even in rugged environments.
  • 6KM Transmission Range – Wired phone connection ensures ultra-stable signal.
  • Up to 20,000ft Flight Distance – Perfect for covering vast outdoor terrains.
  • Smart Flight Features – Includes cruise control, adjustable image settings, and more.
  • Multi-Source Positioning – Combines GPS, Air Pressure, Optical Flow, and TOF for precise low-altitude flight and landing.
Here are the tips for drone flying: Precautions for drone flight.xlsx

Teaching video of U11MINI 4K : Ruko U11MINI 4K – First Flight

Other Drone Reviews

Buy on Amazon:

Buy on Ruko Store:

Video Review

 

 

Twelve South’s stylish travel accessories to help summer getaways take-off

As we head towards peak travel season, Twelve South has a selection of premium travel gadgets and accessories with unique, useful features. Small and compact these are all ideal for those who want power and more and take up little space but keep you connected.

Twelve South AirFly Pro 2

Price from: £59.99

Available from Twelve South and Apple

Block out unwanted plane noises and immerse in the in-flight entertainment. The AirFly Pro 2 is an upgraded version of its best-selling AirFly Bluetooth audio adapter with improved features including better sound and easier pairing. Twelve South’s AirFly range is renowned worldwide for enabling the seamless pairing of wireless headphones with legacy audio jacks commonly found on in-flight entertainment, gym equipment and older physical media players.

The AirFly Pro 2 allows users to enjoy the superior sound of wireless headphones and speakers with devices that lack Bluetooth functionality.

 AirFly Pro 2 is a jet setter’s cabin bag essential, allowing users to enjoy in-flight entertainment with the immersive sound of their own wireless earbuds or headphones, rather than low quality, wired airline headsets.

Twelve South PlugBug Travel Kit
Price: £79.99 (50w), £129.99 (120w)
Available from Twelve South UK and Apple
Twelve South’s PlugBug is the first ever USB-C plug with built-in Find My! Travellers will never leave their charger in the hotel or airport lounge again. Simply launch the Find My app on an iPhone so see exactly where it is, even if it’s on the other side of the world. The PlugBug can also act as an AirTag tracker for any bag it’s in, allowing users to find both their bag and charger. Users can even utilise the Notify When Left Behind feature to help ensure it’s not lost in the first place.

It can charge Power Delivery compatible devices much faster than a standard USB-C charger and detects which devices are being charged and delivers the right amount of fast charging power to them. Available in 50W with two ports or 120W with four ports, the Plug Bug also includes EU (Type C) and UK (Type G) interchangeable adaptors.

Folding prongs and ports that are accessible from the bottom of the charger rather than the back, make it easy to plug in to wall outlets in tight spaces, such as behind a sofa or side table. The all new travel version includes adaptors for US, UK, EU, AU KR and CN as well as a handy travel case to keep things organised.

Twelve South ButterFly SE
Price: £99.99
Available from Twelve South UK, Apple
Combine all your charging needs in one, compact and beautiful solution with the Twelve South ButterFly SE. Ideal for travel as it fits in the palm of your hand, the 2-in-1 Qi charger allows users to simultaneously charge their iPhone and Apple Watch or AirPods from just one outlet, making it a handbag essential.
Strong magnets hold ButterFly SE closed while in your bag, which is then unfolded as required to charge devices. More than a charger, ButterFly SE morphs into a hands-free display stand. Stream shows, FaceTime, or use iPhone’s gorgeous StandBy Mode. The magnetic Apple Watch charger on ButterFlySE tilts up to use Nightstand Mode. ButterFly SE can also be used as a compact display stand when you’re just charging your Apple Watch. A coordinating braided USB-C charging cable is included.

Blink Parametric Launches With Getcover.com

Blink Parametric and Getcover.com, a trading name of Newpoint Insurance Brokers Limited, a London-based Lloyd’s broker, have partnered to launch a suite of bespoke online travel insurance products utilising a real-time parametric flight delay solution for their eligible travel insurance policyholders. Getcover.com is uniquely the first partner to access Blink Parametric-enabled technology via Firemelon’s Magenta Insurance System platform since the travel insurance sales and policy administration system provider forged a strategic alliance with Blink Parametric in January, enabling easy access to Blink Parametric technology. The product is underwritten by specialist insurer Financial and Legal Insurance Company Ltd (F&L).

Announcing the deal, Carl Carter, Chief Commercial Officer of Blink Parametric said: “Getcover.com is a genuine pioneer of online direct to consumer travel insurance, leading the way with innovative, accessible insurance cover and benefit solutions. We are honoured to work with the team as they differentiate their travel insurance proposition within the hyper-competitive UK travel insurance market by providing a real-time flight delay service delivering a cash payment or an airport lounge pass in a traveller’s time of need. We look forward to enhancing their travel insurance product offering and customer service delivery with immediate effect.”

Blink Parametric provides parametric as a service – (PaaS) solutions, and is a multi-award-winning global InsurTech. It transforms its clients’ traditional travel insurance offerings into superior service experiences with simple, intuitive and real-time parametric products. It specialises in high frequency, low value claims across the travel sector with market leading real-time propositions for flight delay, flight cancellation, checked luggage delay and loss.

The data-driven flight disruption solution requires an eligible traveller to simply register their flight details prior to travel. Blink Parametric then monitors the flight(s) in real-time. A flight delay that occurs to the registered flight automatically results in a traveller being notified. Getcover.com customers registered for Single or Multi-Trips are offered choices that help alleviate the stress and consequences of the delay, including airport lounge access if a flight is delayed by 2 hours or more, or a £30 cash payout per traveller, which is directly deposited into their bank account. No need for receipts, forms or phone calls.

The real-time flight delay service will be embedded at no extra cost to the policyholder within all Gold tier policies purchased direct from the Getcover.com website.

Julian Triggs, Head of Travel Partner Development, Newpoint Insurance Brokers said: “This partnership with Blink Parametric represents another significant step for Getcover.com as we steadily expand our outstanding portfolio to now include intuitive, real-time travel assistance products. We pride ourselves on offering simple to understand, value for money travel insurance so that our customers can travel worldwide with peace of mind. Blink Parametric ticked every box for us, being easy to work with and delivering a powerful, real-time customer experience that is uniquely personalised and immediately beneficial, right when our customers need assistance.”

Karen Beales, Managing Director at Financial and Legal Insurance Company Limited, which is underwriting the product, commented, “It’s great news that we are extending our underwriting support to Getcover.com. Parametric travel insurance propositions have a strong consumer focus and, as mass travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, we’re keen to support innovative parametric-powered solutions that give travellers valuable protection if their plans are disrupted.”