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| UAS and controller. Photo: Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) |
[Avionics Today 12-09-2014] Textron’s unmanned systems division has announced a certificate of authorization to start Aerosonde Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) operations with the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP). This is one of six authorized test sites established by the FAA as part of its larger program to integrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS).
MAAP, which is led by Virginia Tech and includes academic, government and industry partners, will support Aerosonde system operations with an emphasis on enabling UAS integration. Flights will contribute to proving the agricultural and environmental applications of unmanned systems, while developing safety, operations and training protocols between MAAP, the local airspace authority, and Textron Systems to ensure safe, efficient unmanned flight operations.
“We have just begun to scratch the surface of what unmanned systems can accomplish for our communities, our economies and our world,” said Textron Systems Vice President of Small/Medium-Endurance UAS David Phillips.