The University of Maryland UAS test site at the Crisfield-Somerset Airport includes tests of the Talon 240 drone shown here.
The University of Maryland's drone test facility is open for business. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the university's efforts to trial and test unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) to ensure their safe integration into U.S. airspace amid growing interest and demand.
The test facility is located at the Crisfield-Somerset Airport on the state's eastern shore. The facility is being run by Matt Scassero, a former Naval aviator, with the goal to engage industry.
FAA has granted permission to fly agricultural research drones on a farm owned by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and the test facility is looking for other missions. The university seems as eager to engage industry as industry is eager to test platforms and concepts for what both hope will be a big economic boost for the state.
