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As we see in nature, bees and mosquitoes are more effective when they work together in a swarm. Well, Boeing is taking a page directly from mother nature by testing out a new technology that will allow UAVs to communicate and operate as a group. The aerospace giant used swarm technology, developed by the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), to allow different types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to collectively search a test area, map the terrain and create their own flight path, while simultaneously sending information to teams on the ground.

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As our faithful got geoint? readers know, every so often we like to do mid-week news round up — especially when the news cycle is chock full of GEOINT-related stories that will change your life for the better. Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but these are some compelling stories about UAVs, Boeing’s Phantom Eye and much, much more. So, what’s a good catch phrase for a Wednesday news round up post? Ahh, we’ll just use an old favorite. Here we go: fire up that second cup of coffee and read on.

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If you are an out of work drone pilot, fear no more. You will now be able to pay your mortgage and feed your kids. There is a shortage of remote pilots for unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring the southern U.S. border. Though, there is one hick up. Officials told a House Homeland Security Panel last week that safety concerns are slowing down the actual usage of drones in U.S. airspace. Although the FAA recently approved the use of a UAV for South Texas, and the FAA has streamlined the review process for applications to use the unmanned craft for border security and emergency purposes, the limited safety and operational data available does not support expedited or full integration into the national air space. So, once these safety concerns are quelled, all of you unemployed drone pilots will be back to work, collecting the almighty pay check. Of course the reality is that there is a shortage of pilots and operators, specifically pilots with specialized training who can launch and land the aircraft. Read more here.

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