Drone test flights begin at Warm Springs UAS site
Warm Springs tribally owned Eagle Tech Systems announced Wednesday the first launch of unmanned aerial vehicles at the Metolius Bench occupational site.
The Warm Springs Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Range is part of the Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex, led by the University of Alaska, one of the six nationally recognized FAA-designated UAS test sites.
It makes sense for the University of Alaska to be the first client for the Warm Springs UAS Test Range.
The Aeromapper drone is ideal for surveying large sized areas for forestry, wildlife monitoring, geophysical surveys, and topography, among other uses.
The maximum takeoff weight is about 10 pounds and the wing span is 6 feet long. It has a Sony 24-megapixel camera and a survey grade wide 15 mm lens with adaptor.
It also makes sense for ArrowData, too, because it is an enterprise which is owned by the Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation, an Alaska native corporation headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Aerialtronics drone is used for precision agriculture reports. The model is called the Altura Zenith, it is actually an octo-copter. The maximum takeoff weight is 14 pounds. It has the MicaSense multispectral camera for agriculture, along with a cinema grade video camera and a high resolution still camera.
Friday’s Media Day provided everyone with an up-close look at the drones. Those in attendance included tribal leaders, and the organizations who provided financial support for the Test Range, Business Oregon and SOAR Oregon.
“It’s going to be exciting to see the flights,” said Evaline Patt, vice chairwoman of the Warm Springs Tribal Council. Patt said she’s looking forward to the potential for drones to help with forest fire management and local farming operations.
“We have four active clients at our range and we’re in conversation with an additional dozen potential clients including one with an international presence”, said Roy Sampsel, chairman of Ventures Board of Directors.
“We are excited about the opportunity to be on the ground floor with this UAV technology,” said former Governor Ted Kulongoski, also a member of the Warm Springs Ventures board.
“Oregon has been given an opportunity to play a leadership role in the creation of an emerging industry. We should use all the tools at our disposal to advance this technology. Our three Oregon test ranges are uniquely situated to facilitate the continued growth of Unmanned Aerial Systems for the foreseeable future.” said state Sen. Betsy Johnson.
To learn more: www.wsuas.com
