Advancing Emergency Response with Group 2 Tactical UAS

Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory is advancing UAS for emergency response operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) with a project that uses Aurora Flight Sciences’ SKIRON-X, as a test platform.

The Group 2 UAS combines the convenience of vertical take-off and landing with the longer endurance of fixed-wing flight. In its standard battery-powered configuration, it can remain airborne for up to 3.5 hours.

Over the past few months, Raspet researchers have flown SKIRON-X for more than 30 flight hours, generating extensive flight logs and pilot feedback to help refine the platform for first responders and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

Jason Grzywna, Senior Director of Products at Aurora, said, “Working with MSU’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory has been invaluable.

“Training the team to operate SKIRON-X was easy and they quickly became expert users. Their work toward BVLOS operations with SKIRON-X will optimize the user experience for future customers.”

The goal of the MSU project is to support first responders by developing a process manual to help them navigate the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) BVLOS waiver process. Extending UAS operations beyond the visual line of sight of the flight crew can significantly increase drone effectiveness during time-critical missions such as search and rescue. Raspet is demonstrating how UAS like SKIRON-X can safely and efficiently conduct BVLOS operations.

Raspet Director Bryan Farrell said, “This collaboration with Aurora has provided Raspet with the opportunity to test a cutting-edge UAS platform while working toward a solution that could make a real difference for first responders.

“Developing the safety case for BVLOS operations is a critical step in unlocking the full potential of UAS for public safety. As a FAA Part 107 compliant, long-endurance VTOL aircraft, the SKIRON-X, coupled with strategic and technical means of airspace deconfliction, greatly enable first responders to leverage the technology to achieve their mission.”

Raspet will continue flying SKIRON-X through the end of October. The team will conclude testing for its current project, submit its BVLOS waiver application, and conduct multiple SKIRON-X flights for events related to FAA ASSURE, where MSU is recognized as the leading university.