Army taps universities for UAV research

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (UPI)

The U.S. Army is working with academic institutions to obtain independent research to advance unmanned aerial vehicle technology and usage.

Middle Tennessee State University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Army's Project Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Three others -- Mississippi State University, Alabama A&M University and Auburn University -- are in the process of becoming involved, the Army said.

"UAS have changed the way we fight and will continue to change the way we operate in the U.S.," said Lt. Col. Robb Walker, director of external programs, PM UAS.

"It is natural and very helpful for universities to work toward standing up a UAS curriculum, in some cases within their aerospace engineering departments. UAS use in the national airspace, which is in its infancy, is something they will be able to research and study as well."

The use of UAVs in non-conflict situations is growing. The vehicles and their sensor payloads can be used in domestic disaster response; humanitarian relief efforts; environmental, geological, agricultural studies; and law-enforcement initiatives.

Walker said the agreements with the schools could "lead to further cross-referencing of academic boundaries, connecting aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering and airspace issues."

Under the agreements, research and studies will include sensor technology applications, interoperability issues and efforts such as manned-unmanned aircraft teaming.

"There are an endless number of things you could use UAS for." Walker said. "It is amazing to see what these students think of and how they conquer problem. The success of this program with universities will help accelerate some of the technological advances we seek for Army UAS programs.