MSU part of drone-risk study

Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) that collide with airplanes can cause more damage than bird strikes due to the fact that they have built-in solid motors, batteries and other parts, a research study by four universities, including Mississippi State, found, according to a Nov. 28 release from the Federal Aviation Administration. Researchers claimed aircraft-manufacturing standards designed for bird strikes aren't appropriate for aircraft to withstand collisions with drones. The FAA said it will depend on drone-makers to help develop technology to detect and avoid UAVs. The FAA has received more than 250 potential-risk drone sightings a month that operate near airports. The researchers - from Mississippi State, Montana State, Ohio State, and Wichita State University - used computers to simulate collisions between drones weighing 2.7-to 8-pounds and airliners. In some cases, drones would have penetrated the airplane's exterior. The FAA plans studies over the next three years to look at the severity of collisions between UAVs and other types of planes and helicopters. Drone operators need special permission from the FAA to operate in some areas near airports. (Source: The Associated Press 11/28/17)