[Avionics Today June 19, 2014] The FAA has issued a Certificate of Authorization (COA) to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to begin commercial operations of the RS-16 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), manufactured by the American Aerospace Airborne Systems Group (AAAI), in New Jersey. Under the approval, NJIT can begin flying the RS-16 within civilian airspace.
The RS-16 has a 12 foot 11 inch wingspan and the ability to stay airborne for 12 to 16 hours while carrying up to 25 pounds of payload.
"This is the first COA issued by the FAA in the state of New Jersey, quite an accomplishment for NJIT. AAAI was very pleased to support NJIT in developing the COA, and looks forward to working with an exceptional team of researchers to evaluate the use of UAS in responding to natural disasters," said AAAI CEO David Yoel.