FAA awards $12 million for drone integration research

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $12 million to 19 companies to fund research and testing projects aimed at safely integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System. These projects, conducted through the UAS Broad Agency Announcement Program, focus on technologies essential for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

Key research areas include detect-and-avoid systems, satellite communications, drone identification, and the integration of UAS traffic management with traditional air traffic control. Specific company projects include General Atomics developing ground-based avoidance systems, Skydweller working on onboard systems for large drones, and OneRadio testing passive radar. Other recipients include Censys Technologies, which is evaluating satellite links for long-range flights, and ANRA Technologies, which is working on connecting drone traffic management to conventional airport systems.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the program allows the agency to work directly with industry to identify operational challenges and gather data to inform safe integration. The funding also supports the ‘Unleashing American Drone Dominance’ executive order by expanding the use of FAA-designated UAS test sites.