Newark, NJ - The flights, conducted by researchers from NJIT’s Crisis Communication Center and NJII’s Homeland Security and Defense Innovation Lab and their partners in late January, were historic for the State of New Jersey. The university and its partners are the first to conduct unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flights in the state under a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program to test the feasibility of safely integrating drones into national airspace and to assess the research and operational capabilities of communications and mapping sensors aboard the craft.
The economic impact of Unmanned Aircraft Systems will grow through 2025 when it is predicted more than 100,000 jobs will be created with an economic impact of $82 billion. This according to an Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems Incorporated (UVSI) study entitled, “The Economic Impact of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration in the United States” released in March, 2013.
Watch a video from the day:
http://www.njii.com/news/index.php
- Talks have already begun between NJIT/NJII and Cape May County officials about continuing use of the Cape May airport. Freeholder Will Morey, a private pilot and a strong advocate of drone technology, said there is "full support" by the county and the Delaware River & Bay Authority for testing at the airport. "The spin-off effects are employment and jobs - very attractive jobs," he said.
- U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, also views drone technology as a way to boost economic development. He said thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact are possible through commercial use of unmanned aircraft.
Watch a video from the day:
http://www.njii.com/news/index.php
