MSU, Stennis: UAS ecology demo

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. - The Mobile County (Ala.) Commission approved a memorandum of understanding mid-month with the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory at Mississippi State University – the National Center of Excellence for Unmanned Air Craft Systems lead for the Federal Aviation Administration - giving approval for UAS flights from the Jeremiah Denton Airport on Dauphin Island. The project lead is the Office of Naval Research. MSU will assure that the aircraft and its operation plans are in full compliance with FAA regulations. Daniel P. Eleuterio of the ONR said by the end of May, and beginning in June, the Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Command at Stennis Space Center, Miss., will begin a series of activities to display and evaluate UAS technologies from DI. Over the long term, he said, such future flights may lead to "a better understanding of coastal ecology and wetlands ecology." (Source: AL.com 03/30/17)