The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday that it awarded $12 million to 19 companies for research and testing projects. These funds support efforts to safely expand drone operations within the National Airspace System.
The awards were distributed through the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Broad Agency Announcement Program. This initiative funds companies working with FAA-designated UAS Test Sites to evaluate technologies that facilitate the integration of unmanned aircraft.
The funding advances the Unleashing American Drone Dominance Executive Order. It supports the full use of FAA UAS Test Sites to develop, test, and scale American drone technologies.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the program allows the agency to work directly with industry and test site partners on critical technologies. He noted that the research provides better data to identify operational challenges and informs how these aircraft are safely integrated.
Projects funded under this program include various technological developments. General Atomics is developing ground systems to help drones avoid other aircraft. NAVMAR is creating systems to help large drones fly safely. SPS Aerial Remote Sensing is testing visibility technology, sensor systems for traffic management, and tools to measure sensor performance.
Other developments include ANRA Technologies creating tools to connect air taxi operations with vertiports and flight procedures. The company is also building tools to link drone traffic systems with traditional air traffic systems at airports. Additionally, ANRA is developing AI tools to identify different types of drones.
Other funded initiatives focus on logistics and identification. Devorto Corporation is working on long-range cargo drone services. DroneUp LLC is developing a secure method to verify drone identity and approval to fly. OneRadio Corporation is testing passive radar to help drones avoid other aircraft. Censys Technologies Corp is testing satellite communications for long-range drone flights.
Further projects include Frequentis USA demonstrating drone technology, Skydweller creating onboard systems for large drone avoidance, and Aerial Vantage developing tools to manage reserved airspace in cities. Lighthouse Avionics Inc is providing surveillance tools for long-range routes. ResilienX, Inc is creating software to coordinate drone missions and resources. Oklahoma State University is conducting drone visibility technology research under the Aero Aware project.
Nine FAA-designated UAS Test Sites are involved in the program. These sites are located in Alaska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Indiana.
More information is available on the FAA’s UAS Broad Agency Announcement Program webpage.
Summary written for CheckAero from the official document. It is not legal advice; read the full text before acting.