The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $2.7 million in research to explore the use of drones in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
The administration said in its announcement that the research will explore the use of drones in providing effective and efficient responses to different natural and human-made disasters.
The FAA awarded $2.7M to @uvmvermont, @UAHuntsville, @nmsu, @NCState, and @KState for drone research to support disaster preparedness and emergency response. These grants help advance technology and educate the next generation of aerospace professionals. https://t.co/sKQWWIRApa. pic.twitter.com/Ws2XhQxJuz
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) August 18, 2022
It will also address coordination and logistic procedures among drone operators from federal agencies, as well as state and local disaster preparedness and emergency response organizations.
“Every second counts in an emergency, and this funding will allow drones to safely and more quickly deploy in moments when minutes matter,” acting FAA administrator Billy Nolen said in a statement dated August 18, 2022.
The five universities and their award amounts are:
University of Vermont $1,195,000
University of Alabama Huntsville $828,070
New Mexico State University $400,000
North Carolina State University $200,000
Kansas State University $145,000