Biggest and Most Technologically Complex Operation in The NY Test Site’s History
The New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport has completed phase two of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) unmanned aircraft traffic management pilot program (UPP2). UPP Phase Two (UPP2) showcased capabilities and services that will support safe, high-density unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drone operations. The capabilities demonstrated included: remote identification services that will allow observers to identify nearby UAS, detect and avoid technology to prevent collisions, and public safety operations. Virtual collaboration for the effort began in mid-April of this year, with three weeks of live flights and component testing throughout November, pushing the boundaries of unmanned aircraft systems and enhancing Central New York’s leadership in the booming UAS industry.
More than 40 people from 13 different organizations came together, both physically and virtually, to complete the work outlined in UPP Phase Two. Mark Reilly of AX Enterprize served as the test director and technical lead; Tony Basile of NUAIR acted as the air boss..
Three weeks of testing included over 100 live and simulated flights of both manned and unmanned aircraft. The UPP2 team reached their goal of high-density urban drone operations, with a peak density of 18 aircraft (15 live and 3 simulations) in the air at the same time, within 0.2 square-miles of airspace over downtown Rome. For more information click here. To see FAA video of the event, click here.