The manager of Pendleton’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Range said he expects to hear next week if the Flyox I, a massive Spanish-made drone designed to assist with firefighting, will run test flights at the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport.
Darryl Abling said the drone manufacturer, Singular Aircraft, is considering Pendleton along with fellow Oregon UAS ranges in Warm Springs and Tillamook. The final decision could be made as early as Wednesday.
“This could be a huge win for the Oregon ranges and the city of Pendleton, if it comes here,” Abling said.
Singular Aircraft has partnered with a Canadian company called Unmanned Aircraft International in its effort to gain U.S. certification for the Flyox I, a move that Abling said would essentially open the door to marketing the product worldwide.
Abling said he had a chance meeting with representatives of Unmanned Aircraft International at the recent Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International trade show in Dallas. The company was looking for U.S. airspace, Abling said, and decided to do site surveys of all three ranges in Oregon.
“They were very happy with Pendleton and the support they could get here,” Abling said.
Flyox I would be the largest drone to fly at the Pendleton UAS Range — much larger than the ArcticShark, which was unveiled to the public in March. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 8,378 pounds with a 45-foot wingspan and 145 mph cruising speed. A Cessna, for comparison, weighs about 2,000 pounds.
The vehicle is designed to drop water on forest fires, and has a payload of more than 4,000 pounds. It may be customized in the future for other uses as well, including agriculture and general cargo deliveries.
Abling said he expects to have a conference call with Singular Aircraft sometime between next Wednesday and Friday, when the range will receive final word.
“They absolutely liked our capabilities,” Abling said. “When we were in Dallas, we had a lot of people come up. Our name and reputation are definitely getting out there.”
Source: East Oregonian