UTA researchers will gain access to a database of Department of Defense patents as part of a joint venture with the newly established Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium.
The consortium is a partnership between the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Innovation, UTA and other corporate and governmental contributors. The group aims to adapt unmanned aerial vehicle technology for use within law enforcement agencies, commercializing the currently military-centered market.
Previous to the establishment of the consortium, UTA researchers have worked with NASA and the Center for Innovation to develop the vehicle technologies for military applications, said Erian Armanios, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering chairman.
With specific goals and newly expanded resources, researchers are now expected to focus on supporting the technological needs of the growing commercial unmanned aerial surveillance industry.
Arlington Police, in particular, has also had an interest in the success of the consortium. In June of last year, the department identified potential applications of the vehicles and purchased two battery-powered, remote-controlled aircrafts.
Utilizing small unmanned aircraft is advantageous because of their cheaper operation and maintenance costs, and application in critical incident surveillance, search and rescue missions and forensics gathering, Lt. Chad Gann said.
The department has since become the first law enforcement agency to receive a certificate of authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration allowing for flight of the aircraft over high-density urban areas.
The department has already seen potential ways to advance the technology since receiving the aircrafts last year. At this time, the aircrafts can maintain flight for 20 minutes before requiring a change of battery, Gann said. He said he sees this as an immediate area for improvement.
The consortium will release new information about the group’s progress on the Center for Innovation website by Thursday.
“I hope this helps formulate a positive message about the initiative and the potential to develop the UAS industry,” said Henry Lewczyk, chamber of commerce vice president of marketing.
Source: The Shorthorn