Ohio/Indiana UAS Center Receives Another FAA Approval

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center has teamed up with the University of Cincinnati to conduct research and development on systems necessary to execute precision flight control algorithms for small UAS. Outcomes from this research are targeted to help emergency responders but may also be leveraged for other industrial purposes. The small UAS leased by the UAS Center is a rotocopter that weighs 15 pounds and has a payload capacity of 10 pounds.

The FAA granted a two-year Certificate of Waiver or Authorization to the Ohio/Indiana UAS Center and Test Complex. Testing of the aircraft will take place at Wilmington Air Park in Wilmington, Ohio.

“We will continue to support safe and cost effective research and development efforts across the state in partnership with the FAA, providing the foundation for this rapidly emerging industry,” said Ryan Smith, UAS director for the State of Ohio.

Once this technology is developed, the University of Cincinnati plans on transitioning it to industry. “The type of research being conducted right here in Ohio is what will help the UAS industry grow. Interested Ohio businesses can leverage this technology for commercial purposes,” Smith said.

The Association of Unmanned Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) estimates the UAS market in Ohio is projected to be a 2 billion dollar industry with a potential to create 2,500 jobs over the next 10 years.