Partnership Leverages Embry-Riddle Resources To Provide Cost-Effective R&D

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Advanced Aerospace Solutions (AdvAero) today announced the signing of a research and development agreement aimed at attracting high-tech, high-profile aerospace companies to the region to work with Embry-Riddle and help grow the nearby Daytona Beach research and technology park. The collaboration will create an important partnership that represents a milestone in Embry-Riddle's goal of fostering an entrepreneurial go-to resource for the aerospace industry.

"What we are doing here is bringing together the best of both of our sets of capabilities in order to provide a unique, one-stop shop for aerospace and defense companies who need to realize their aerospace ideas and products on-time and within budget," said John Maris, CEO of Marinvent. Marinvent is a founding partner of AdvAero, a joint aerospace technology venture. On display at NBAA is the latest AdvAero project, a one-of-a-kind Piaggio Avanti modified to serve as a flying UAV test bed. Modifications include a UAV pilot station at the rear of the aircraft that allows the company to test UAV systems while having a safety pilot up front in the conventional pilot's seat.

Dr. John P. Johnson, Embry-Riddle's President, stressed that "the research park would be a magnet and a catalyst to serve for R&D research."  Embry-Riddle offers state-of-the-art labs for advanced research in UAVs, faculty expertise in the many facets of aviation, students immersed in aviation and aerospace, and an applied focus on industry-leading engineering programs. In regard to attracting aerospace companies in the future, Johnson notes, "they'll see what we're doing here, and they'll want to be part of it."

FMI: www.embryriddle.edu, www.adv-aero.com