RENO, Nevada — NASA is set to expand on information related to its Unmanned Traffic Management research agenda at this year’s National Championship Air Races Sept. 16-20. This year’s event will feature an expanded Drone Zone sponsored by the University of Nevada, Reno’s Nevada Advanced Autonomous Systems Innovation Center in partnership with NASA.
“It is such an honor that NASA will be returning to the National Championship Air Races this year, let alone its plans to update the public on the latest developments on Unmanned Traffic Management research challenges ” said Mary Beth Sewald, vice chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association board of directors. “The UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) industry is rapidly growing and I’m excited to see Reno and UNR at the forefront of this technology.”
The Drone Zone will have a larger footprint this year located just inside the main entrance. The enclosed Drone Zone tent mall will include NASA and the University of Nevada, as well as host numerous professional drone and robotic vendors from all over the country, provide demonstrations and several vendors will sell small remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).
In addition, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will sponsor the second annual small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Challenge. The competition will include an obstacle course, speed course and potential one-on-one “combat.”
About 3,500 children from the Washoe County School District are expected to visit the Drone Zone during race week where there will be classes on aviation.