New Facility Adds to University's Research Capability on Unmanned Aircraft Systems

• NCJ Number: 251472
• Author(s): Michele Coppola
• Date Published: January 2018
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2014-IJ-CX-K404
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description
• Award: A proposal to operate the National Criminal Justice Technology Resource Center.

Annotation

This article describes the features and functions of the University of Maryland's new facility for researching and testing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Abstract

The facility, which is located near the main campus in College Park, Maryland, is 100-feet wide, 300-feet long, and 50-feet high. It is called the "Fearless Flight Facility." It is enclosed by durable black netting of the same material used on golf driving ranges. This enables the flying of UAS within restricted air space. Prior to this facility, UAS research was limited to indoor labs on campus. Outdoor testing was done at the university's UAS test Site in California, Maryland, approximately 70 miles from the main campus. The new facility cost just under $300,000 to construct, using university funds. It will be used by researchers and students enrolled in courses on UAS and by UAS-related clubs for racing and other activities. Plans are in process to offer an engineering camp for high school students on learning how to build an unmanned aircraft from a kit and how to fly it.