DENTON, TX — The University of North Texas (UNT) has unveiled its new Advanced Air Mobility (UAAM) test facility at Discovery Park, marking a significant leap forward in unmanned vehicle research and education. The facility, part of UNT’s Center of Integrated Intelligent Mobility Systems (CIIMS), aims to pioneer advancements in transportation and mobility technologies.
Spanning 80 feet in height, 120 feet in length, and 300 feet in width, the UAAM test facility stands as the largest of its kind in Texas and ranks among the most sizable in the United States. This outdoor, netted drone arena fosters a secure environment for conducting advanced research on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other autonomous transportation methods.
Terry Pohlen, Senior Associate Dean of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business and Director of UNT’s Jim McNatt Institute for Logistics Research, highlighted the collaborative spirit between the College of Business and the College of Engineering in establishing the new facility. “It will really position UNT as a leader in advanced air mobility research,” stated Pohlen, who also co-directs CIIMS.
The facility’s establishment was funded through contributions from the Jim McNatt Institute for Logistics Research, the College of Engineering, the Division of Research and Innovation, and the Office of the President. Initiated in 2022, the project benefitted from the expertise of CIIMS-affiliated faculty members, focusing on addressing the operational complexities and policy needs of UAVs and autonomous vehicles.
A key feature of the UAAM is its complete encasement in netting, a strategic decision made by CIIMS faculty to facilitate easier testing without the need for repeated certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “Because it’s fully netted, the facility counts as indoors so we can test without needing a certification every time,” explained Shengli Fu, Professor and Chair of the Electrical Engineering Department. This design enables safer, more efficient testing while adhering to safety standards.
The UAAM facility is set to support a broad range of research initiatives, from testing drone components to exploring communication techniques between UAVs and ground vehicles. Its spacious design allows for comprehensive testing of signal strength across various angles and distances, addressing the challenges of transitioning ground communication technologies to aerial applications.
Researchers at UNT are optimistic about the potential applications of drone technology, from freight delivery to emergency medical services and disaster response. The university is actively collaborating with government agencies and companies across the country to test and refine Advanced Air Mobility technologies.
Furthermore, the facility is not only a resource for UNT faculty and students but is also available to other organizations and startups for testing new drone technologies. Through partnerships with industry and educational institutions, the CIIMS team aims to engage young students in UAVs, engineering, and logistics, sparking interest and innovation in the next generation of researchers.
“This really is just the beginning,” Pohlen added, emphasizing the transformative potential of the UAAM facility in addressing longstanding transportation and mobility challenges.