Trump signs orders to enhance drone defenses, support supersonic travel
Investing.com -- President Donald Trump signed three executive orders on Friday to strengthen U.S. defenses against drone threats, support the development of electric air taxis, and promote supersonic commercial aircraft, according to a White House announcement.
The executive orders aim to enable routine use of drones beyond the visual range of operators, a crucial move for commercial drone deliveries. The orders also include steps to lessen U.S. dependence on Chinese drone firms and initiate testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
A federal task force is set to be established by Trump to ensure U.S. control over American airspace, broaden restrictions around sensitive locations, increase federal use of technology for real-time drone detection, and offer assistance to state and local law enforcement.
The orders also address concerns over the misuse of drones in U.S. airspace by criminal terrorists and foreign entities, according to Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. This move is particularly relevant with large-scale public events such as the Olympics and the World Cup approaching.
In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration has been directed by Trump to remove a ban, in place since 1973, on supersonic air transport over land. This change is supported by recent advancements in aerospace engineering, material science, and noise reduction, which make overland supersonic flight not only possible, but also safe, sustainable, and commercially viable, stated Kratsios. The aim is to enable Americans to travel from New York to L.A. in less than four hours.
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