Supporting Technological Advancements: Constructing a Drone Testing Facility in Oklahoma

Humans have always been on a path of progress. In today’s world, technological advances are happening daily across the spectrum of industries. However, no matter the industry, these advances require research, testing, and development. From office spaces where ideas are generated to testing facilities where ideas are pushed to their limits, one commonality remains—an appropriate kind of space is needed to accommodate the stage of progress. Construction creates new spaces as well as renovates existing ones to accommodate new needs. Without the proper facilities, progress stalls. The facilities must keep up with the progress to move development forward. As a result, the construction industry ensures existing facilities remain relevant and, when needed, provides new facilities.

One industry in particular that is making critical advancements is aviation. In 2017, the FAA launched the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP). This program brought together government at the state, local, and tribal levels to connect with the private sector to “test and evaluate the integration of civil and public drone operations into our national airspace system.” (UAS Integration Pilot Program | Federal Aviation Administration). When this program expired in October 2020, the FAA established the BEYOND program to take its place to “address remaining challenges and continue the partnerships and progress made under IPP.” (BEYOND | Federal Aviation Administration). The BEYOND program was originally established as a four-year program but in May 2024, the Senate approved the FAA Reauthorization Act, which, among other things, extended the BEYOND program for an additional five years.

The intent of these programs is to accelerate the safe integration of UAS and Advanced Aerial Mobility/Urban Air Mobility (AAM/UAM) into the national airspace system. The use of drones opens a world of possibilities such as deliveries, including medical related deliveries, (How Did a Native American Reservation Become a Drone Delivery Trailblazer? | FLYING Magazine) and the opportunities to monitor weather, defense, and public safety (CNO and OU Partner to Research Advanced Technologies and Improve Rural Communities - Advanced Technology Initiatives Program). In Oklahoma, the Choctaw Nation is a leading partner in these programs and technological advancements.

To support these programs and the advancement of this aviation technology, the Choctaw Nation needed a research space. They selected tribally owned land in southeastern Oklahoma to construct a 35-acre aviation testing complex. This complex includes facilities that are available for aviation companies to lease for testing purposes and flight practice.

Ross Group is honored to be one of the contractors constructing this complex. Our team is providing a 4,550 sq. ft. Makerspace Hangar, a 4,543 sq. ft. Emerging Aviation Technology Center (EATC), and infrastructure improvements near Daisy Ranch.

The Makerspace Hangar is a four-hangar shop facility that will be used to repair, maintain, and house the unmanned aircraft that will be used at this complex for the duration of the company’s lease.

The highlight of this development is the EATC. This three-story facility features spaces such as two observation decks, a telemetry room, multipurpose workshop, storage areas, a first aid room, conference rooms, offices, restrooms, and a VIP lounge. The EATC, like the Makerspace Hangar, will be available for drone companies to lease during the testing of their unmanned aircraft. These spaces will allow companies to test the drones as well as obtain the required number of flight hours needed for both the equipment and the operator.

The extensive civil infrastructure project involved critical components such as water, electricity, storm drainage, water towers, roads, and paving. Additionally, the project constructed a helipad, installed a dedicated water tank and distribution lines for fire suppression at the EATC, implemented utility services for the RV park, and managed a creek crossing. These efforts were pivotal for enhancing infrastructure functionality and safety across the project site, ensuring efficient operations and compliance with regulatory standards.

Without facilities like the Makerspace and EATC, and supporting infrastructure such as roads, creek crossings, RV parks, and helipads, important aviation advancements are not possible. Construction provides infrastructure and spaces for the research and development necessary to facilitate technological advances and therefore helps move the world forward.