USCG to Trial Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) will evaluate unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capabilities, benefits, risks and technical limitations of operating UAS from land and/or off a Coast Guard Cutter in a maritime environment.

 

The USCG said it intends to enter a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Conoco Phillips Company for the assessment, under which it will conduct flight testing and evaluation of UASs under a variety of simulated but realistic and relevant real-world maritime operational scenarios, such as ice operations, marine environmental monitoring, marine safety, search and rescue and potentially other coast guard mission sets.

 

While the USCG is currently considering partnering with Conoco Phillips Company, it solicits public comment on the possible nature of, and participation of, other parties in the proposed CRADA. The USCG has also invited other potential non-Federal participants, who have the interest and capability to bring similar contributions to this type of research, to consider submitting proposals for consideration for similar CRADAs. Comments must be submitted on or before April 20, 2015.