Kansas State University's UAS Program Building Momentum

K-State’s Applied Aviation Research Center began as a cooperative venture of K-State, Salina, the Salina Airport Authority and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. The center has applied for another $6 million in UAS funding. The center’s charter is to advance aerospace technology through the application of research capabilities in propulsion, airframe, avionics and aviation training.

The center’s unmanned aerial systems programs office collaborates closely with military organizations and the private sector to focus on developing unmanned flight in the National Air Space and training unmanned systems pilots and operators. K-State’s unmanned aerial system capability revolves around three key areas: operational policies and standards; advanced avionics miniaturization; and unmanned aerial vehicle education and training.

K-State is establishing criteria for unmanned aerial system flight operations, including activity at the National Guard’s nearby Smoky Hill Weapons Range and eventually at the Herington unmanned aerial system flight facility. The program office establishes policies and procedures to enable both military and civilian organizations to fly and test at local facilities.