The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Northern Michigan Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium (NMUASC) in Alpena. “This is a great opportunity for Michigan to establish an ecosystem for UAS,” said MEDC CEO Steve Arwood. “Unmanned aerial systems represents a new industry with great economic potential for commercial and defense sectors, and Michigan is in position to play a major role in the emerging market. Michigan has a rich history of innovation, a skilled work force, and leading academic institutions prepared to engage in the emerging public UAS space.” At this stage of UAS development, testing on the airborne vehicles is crucial as the FAA determines rules for how and where light-weight UAS can operate in U.S. airspace. Griffiss International Airport, a former Air Force Base in central New York, is partnering with NMUASC to develop standards for integrating unmanned systems into national airspace and for civilian use. The funds will support the development and global marketing campaign of the test site for unmanned aerial vehicles. State general fund/general purpose grant funds were made available by the legislature as part of a special grant appropriation. In addition to military and national defense uses, UAS have […]
