A military rocket range on the island of South Uist in the Scottish Hebrides, could be used for testing civilian UAS. Highlands and island Enterprise, the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for the region , commissioned a study which found that there is a growing market for UAS.
Their findings were presented recently to Defence Minister Peter Luff in a meeting in London. The Hebrides Range Task Force has previously called for the range to be used for testing military UAS. The range is said to be the largest of its kind in Europe and has been used for training in Rapier anti-aircraft rocket systems. Defence technology giant QinetiQ operates the range and associated sites for the Ministry of Defence.
HIE chairman William Roe said that the agency would work with the Hebrides Range Task Force, whose members include local councillors, on realising the potential for the testing of civilian UAS. He said: “The range, with its segregated airspace, nearby airport and other facilities, is ideally suited to supporting the development of the emerging unmanned aircraft systems market. Further research work is required to explore this high-tech sector to ensure any commercial developments are focused on enhancing and further securing defence activity at the Hebrides Range.”