USRI research engineer Rakshit Allamraju oversees a flight test for Vigilant Aerospace Systems to evaluate drone deconfliction systems (with Zimmer Nguyen at table and Kraettli Epperson in background.)
WIDE OPEN SPACES The Choctaw Nation has a growing unmanned systems program. Its land in southeast Oklahoma was where OSU performed its first one-to-many test. “The Choctaw Nation is one of our partners on the program, focusing on flight test and outreach,” Jacob said. The CNO UAS test site is a unique area, spanning 44,000-plus acres yet conveniently remote, located within a few hours of three large airports. The objective in developing the test site was to help emerging aviation technologies to more efficiently navigate through the regulatory processes, said James Grimsley, executive director of the Advanced Technology Initiatives for the Choctaw Nation. “It is very rare for a single landowner to own and control this much property,” Grimsley said. “We’ve been building this unique national asset since 2016, and it will truly be a one-of-a-kind facility for the nation.” The Choctaw Nation is making critical investments in facilities and infrastructure, such as a ground-based-radar system, and has already entered into agreements with leading aerospace companies that have many decades of innovative aerospace and aviation experience, Grimsley said. “OSU has a great reputation for building collaborative and innovative relationships with industry and government,” Grimsley said. “We also see OSU as one of the top leading UAS research institutions in the country.” The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma was the only tribal government selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation to participate as a lead entity in
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the Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program and is the first tribal government to be recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration as a public aircraft operator, Grimsley said. Both events were historically significant, he added. “As we have demonstrated during the UAS IPP, UAS technology and emerging aviation technology in general will have a positive impact on our members and our communities,” Grimsley said. “We believe that technology can help bridge infrastructure gaps in remote/developing areas and lead to improved quality of life and economic activity.” The test site is a catalyst to promote economic development within the Choctaw Nation’s boundaries and to ensure the region is poised to fully participate in the next era of emerging aviation technologies, Grimsley said. “We are excited about all aspects of our program, from helping to stimulate interest in STEM in our communities to assisting our economic developers with unique assets that help attract industry and high-paying jobs,” Grimsley said. “We are excited about even more future collaborations with OSU.” STAYING VIGILANT Vigilant is a familiar partner for OSU’s USRI. The Oklahoma City-based company has been working with OSU for over two years. “Right now, the unmanned aircraft industry is in a state of rapid development,” said Kraettli Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace Systems Inc. “New capabilities are emerging quickly, and the regulations are racing to catch up. Companies are eager to use drones for a wide range of purposes, from bridge and road inspection to solar and wind