The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently broke ground on an approximately $8.3 million facility that will support research, training and operational analysis for advanced air mobility aircraft. Its mission is to accelerate the safe, secure and scalable integration of emerging aviation technologies.
The Vertical Take-Off and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range (V-PAR) will be located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City and will provide the FAA and its partners with a location to conduct research on vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, including electric and hybrid designs, as well as a location for data analysis, standards and procedure development, human factors research, and work force training.
“The V-PAR is a critical step in helping the FAA better understand how to integrate advanced air mobility aircraft safely into the National Airspace System,” Steven Bradbury, Department of Transportation deputy secretary, said. “This facility will strengthen our ability to conduct research, train people, and support the future of aviation.”
The range will include a vertiport, a covered hangar and a small control-center building. It will support advanced air mobility research and training activities including studies on downwash and outwash, radiofrequency interference, wake separation, and vertiport operations.
Construction is scheduled for completion next summer.