OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Mary Fallin says Oklahoma has been selected as the test site for a federal program to research and test small unmanned aircraft systems.
Fallin says the Department of Homeland Security's Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS) Program will involve a $1.4 million investment in its first year. It will be operated at Oklahoma State University's test site near Lawton and take advantage of the restricted airspace around Fort Sill.
The program will research the public safety applications of unmanned aerial vehicles for first responders, including search and rescue scenarios and fire response and mapping.
Fallin says Oklahoma is building a reputation in both the aerospace and unmanned vehicle industries.
She says the aerospace industry alone is responsible for about 150,000 jobs in Oklahoma.
Fallin says the Department of Homeland Security's Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS) Program will involve a $1.4 million investment in its first year. It will be operated at Oklahoma State University's test site near Lawton and take advantage of the restricted airspace around Fort Sill.
The program will research the public safety applications of unmanned aerial vehicles for first responders, including search and rescue scenarios and fire response and mapping.
Fallin says Oklahoma is building a reputation in both the aerospace and unmanned vehicle industries.
She says the aerospace industry alone is responsible for about 150,000 jobs in Oklahoma.