Follows Successful Showing At Unmanned '15

Through a well-rounded UAS delegation representing private industry, government, and academia, Ohio had a strong showing at AUVSI's Unmanned 2015 conference last week in Atlanta. These representatives of Ohio's UAS industry met with over 200 hundred people from companies both domestic and abroad from all points along the UAS ecosystem.

"Our message is clear and consistent," said Dayton Development Coalition's (DDC) Vice President for Aerospace Rich Knoll. "If you want to fly UAS, you can and should come fly in Ohio."

The DDC worked closely with the state to organize Ohio's showcase at the international UAS conference.

As the birthplace of flight, and a continued leader in aerospace, there's no doubt Ohio has had a rich history of innovation in aviation, but they've pushed aggressively to secure that lead in UAS as well.

"Ohio now has the infrastructure in place to capture a sizable share of the emerging UAS market," said State Director of UAS Operations Ryan Smith. "We have an incredibly strong UAS manufacturing pipeline, we've got a strong research and development presence, and we have nationally recognized training facilities like Sinclair. The piece that we've added to complete the full spectrum is usable airspace. Through the work we've done with our partners, and the relationships we're building with the FAA, there are now over 130 locations around the state where you can fly a UAS, suitable for a number of various missions."

Smith went on to say that the result of these efforts is an improved outlook for Ohioans everywhere, not just through economic growth, but through thoughtful application of the technology.

Continuing the momentum for the state is the Ohio UAS conference this summer. On August 25-26, 2015, for the fourth year running, the DDC and the Wright Brothers chapter of AUVSI will host a state-focused UAS conference in Dayton, Ohio. Last year's conference saw over 700 attendees and 70 exhibitors from the United States, Israel, Mexico and Australia.

"Ohio is a hub for UAS activity," said Knoll. "And we continue to grow that hub through this conference and other economic development efforts like our push at AUVSI."

FMI: www.ohiouasconference.com