May 2022
FAA AWARDS $4.4 MILLION IN DRONE RESEARCH GRANTS TO SEVEN UNIVERSITIES www.inflightusa.com
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on April 15 announced $4.4 million in drone research, education and training grants to seven universities. Research will focus on three areas: electromagnetic compatibility, detect and avoid classifications, and cybersecurity oversight. The universities receiving grants are University of North Dakota, University of Kansas, Drexel University, The Ohio State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mississippi State University and Oregon State University. “This funding and our ongoing partnerships with these universities will allow the FAA to safely integrate the airspace that has a growing number of diverse aircraft users,” said FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen. The research initiatives and grant awardees include:
Evaluate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Electromagnetic Compatibility
This research will assess the risks, identify drone design vulnerabilities,
identify material and procedural mitigations, and propose guidance for safer electromagnetic compatibility with emitted and static fields. • University of North Dakota $325,042 • University of Kansas $325,000 • Drexel University $325,830
Investigate Detect and Avoid Track Classification and Filtering
This research will provide proposed metrics, guidance, and test methods to assess the effects of false or misleading information on detect and avoid capabilities. The findings will support Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. • The Ohio State University $732,441 • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University $371,000 • Mississippi State University $330,000
• University of North Dakota $80,000
Illustrate the Need for UAS Cybersecurity Oversight and Risk Management
This research will address UAS Cybersecurity Oversight and Risk Management as it pertains to the National Airspace System and other FAA systems. • University of Kansas $651,982 • Oregon State University $609,226 • Drexel University $608,783 Last month’s announcement is the second round of Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) grants, which brings the total of 15 grants valued at $18.3 million for Fiscal Year 2022.The ASSURE Center of Excellence is one of six that the agency has established to help advance technology and educate the next generation of aviation professionals.
TEXTRON COMPLETES ACQUISITION
Textron Inc. announced on April 18 that it has closed its acquisition of PipistreL d.o.o., Pipistrel Vertical Solutions d.o.o. and Pipistrel Italia S.R.L., known collectively as Pipistrel, an award-winning pioneer and global leader in electrically powered aircraft. Pipistrel’s Velis Electro is the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development. As a Textron company, Pipistrel will have access to greater resources, technical and regulatory expertise and a global aircraft sales and support network, enabling it to accelerate its development and certification of electric and hybrid electric aircraft. Pipistrel is now part of Textron’s newest business segment, Textron eAviation, which will pursue Textron’s long-term strategy to offer a family of sustainable aircraft for urban air
mobility, general aviation, cargo and special mission roles. Rob Scholl, who has been leading Textron’s eAviation initiatives to date, has been named president and CEO of the segment. “Pipistrel has already achieved what many other companies only aspire to – certifying and delivering highly regarded electric aircraft to customers around the world,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. “We are excited to accelerate Pipistrel’s development and to welcome its talented people into our organization, where we will pool expertise to make Textron a world leader in sustainable aircraft for a wide range of missions.” Pipistrel will remain a distinct aviation brand within Textron, alongside the company’s already established Cessna, Beechcraft, and Bell brands. Its headquarters, research and development, and manufacturing will remain in Slovenia and Italy, where Textron plans to make additional investments to expand manufacturing and product development capabilities. “With Pipistrel, we have the opportunity to take an already great aircraft manufacturer and make it greater still,” said Textron eAviation CEO Rob Scholl.
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The FAA on April 15 announced $4.4 million in drone research, education and training grants to seven universities. (Courtesy ASSURE) Research conducted through ASSURE is focused on helping the drone market safely grow and integrate into the nation’s airspace. More than 800,000 recreational and commercial drones are in the active drone fleet, and that number is expected to grow. Learn more at ASSURE’s website, https://www.assureuas.org/, or from the FAA website, www.faa.gov.
PIPISTREL
“We look forward to working with its remarkable team and helping the business achieve its full potential.” Under the terms of the transaction, Textron purchased Pipistrel for a cash purchase price of approximately €218 ($235) million. Pipistrel’s founder and CEO, Ivo Boscarol, will remain a minority shareholder of Pipistrel with an approximately 10 percent interest for a two-year period, during which he will advise on future product plans and strategies. The cash purchase price includes the amount for which his minority interest will be purchased at the end of the two-year period. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron brands include Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com. In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full typecertification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This
Pipistrel, which developed the world's first and currently only electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from EASA, is now part of Textron. (Business Wire)
achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development. Learn more at www.pipistrel-aircraft.com.
