NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. — The University of Oklahoma is joining an elite group of universities working on the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, into the national airspace.
OU is the newest member of the Mississippi State University-led Alliance for Systems Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, or ASSURE. The consortium, which now includes 32 of the world’s leading research institutions, is the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research. As part of ASSURE, OU will contribute its expertise in aerospace engineering, atmospheric research, and advanced data analytics.
ASSURE facilitates the research, testing and evaluation needed to safely integrate drones into the national airspace. This research helps grow economic opportunity as more use cases emerge for drones in commercial, emergency response, and security applications.
“We are excited to expand ASSURE’s capabilities and expertise by adding OU to the consortium,” said Hannah Thach, ASSURE Executive Director. “Their expertise in aerospace research and innovative approach to solving complex challenges will enhance our collaborative efforts. We look forward to valuable contributions from the OU team.”
OU integrates UAS into existing research strengths, such as meteorology. Researchers are using drones for weather observations and determining the impact of severe storms. The university’s Advanced Radar Research Center houses the largest academic radar program in the country, focusing on cutting-edge radar technology for research, defense and commercial needs. OU also houses a School of Aviation, offering five academic concentrations in the field of aviation, as well as a School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
"OU's inclusion in ASSURE marks a significant milestone for the future of UAS research. Through our groundbreaking work in meteorology and radar technologies and deep engineering and data science expertise, OU and our Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute are positioned to make critical contributions to the development of innovative solutions that will shape the future of aviation," said Robin Rand, Executive Director of OU’s Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII).
ASSURE is comprised of 32 of the world’s leading research institutions and more than a hundred leading industry and government partners. ASSURE members are core to four FAA UAS test sites, lead four FAA research centers, and have a multitude of UAS ranging from small drones below 55 pounds to the largest UAS at any US academic institution at 1800 pounds. This alliance features expertise across a broad spectrum of research areas, including air traffic control interoperability, UAS airport ground operations, control and communications, detect and avoid, human factors, UAS noise reduction, UAS wake signatures, unmanned aircraft pilot training and certification, low altitude operations safety, spectrum management and UAS traffic management.
For more on ASSURE, visit www.assureuas.org.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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