Small, High Endurance Drone to Begin Operations at Virginia Center

Textron has been issued a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA to conduct Aerosonde drone operations at its Unmanned Systems Service and Support Center located in Blackstone, Virginia.

The Aerosonde is a small, high endurance, expeditionary drone powered by a fueled, reciprocating engine. The company received the special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category (SAC-EC), giving authority for Textron Systems to operate its Aerosonde MK 4.7G unmanned aircraft system within the National Airspace System. Aerosonde operations will include initial and recurring proficiency training, research, and development. The Aerosonde is now able to fly within VLOS conditions for training, and conduct R&D flights within Class D, E, and G airspace.

The Blackstone location abuts the Allen C. Perkinson Blackstone Army Airfield, allowing easier, quicker development as Textron looks to hone its Aerosonde UAS into a viable commercial offering. It cites the location as an excellent position for future training endeavors, too, offering “increased flexibility and convenience for the company’s customers, as well as cost savings that result from the ability to train steps away from the classroom.” 

"This is a significant achievement because of what it says about the safety of operating unmanned systems in the NAS,” said Wayne Prender, Senior Vice President of Air Systems. “We’ve shown that our Aerosonde system achieves an equivalent level of safety compared to conventional aircraft. We’ve backed that up with more than 600,000 hours of flight time and over 3,000 aeronautical research flights conducted at KBKT airfield to support integration in the NAS.”

FMI: www.textron.com