Pendleton’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Range received a significant boost with the Pendleton City Council approving a $150,000 budget transfer. This funding targets advanced electromagnetic operations, enhancing a key West Coast drone testing facility. This news from Oregon signals continued investment in Oregon drone technology and the capabilities of the Pendleton UAS Range.
Enhanced Funding for Electromagnetic Operations at the Pendleton UAS Range
The city council voted 7-0 for the transfer. Funds moved from contingency to airport operations. This aligns with the fiscal year 2026 budget. The money will acquire necessary equipment. It will also pay for services vital for setting up the electromagnetic range at the Pendleton UAS Range.
Understanding Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations for UAS
These operations are crucial for modern unmanned aerial systems. They enable drones to function in controlled radio-frequency environments, allowing for realistic testing and preparing systems for real-world scenarios. Communication systems can be tested for interference, and navigation and sensor functions are evaluated, including resilience against electronic warfare. This is a key aspect of the Pendleton UAS Range’s advanced offerings.
Maintaining Range Superiority at the Pendleton UAS Range
Jesse Steele manages the Pendleton UAS Range. He calls these operations “essential.” They help maintain and expand the range’s UAS capabilities. This ensures Pendleton remains a “premier UAS test range on the West Coast.” The investment keeps the Pendleton UAS Range competitive, attracting advanced testing requirements for defense contractor support.
Meeting High Customer Demand for Pendleton’s Drone Testing Facility
Demand for the Pendleton UAS Range’s services is extremely high. The U.S. Army is a key customer, underscoring the range’s strategic importance and the growing need for secure, advanced UAS testing grounds. Pendleton is meeting this need effectively, solidifying its role as a vital drone testing facility.
Pendleton’s Vast Testing Environment for UAS Capabilities
The Pendleton UAS Test Range offers immense capabilities, spanning 14,000 square miles of airspace characterized by low air traffic. The Pendleton UAS Range features diverse terrain and climates, allowing for testing in varied conditions and providing a “turnkey” solution for clients. All logistical aspects are managed, including airspace permissions and coordination, allowing companies to focus on their testing objectives and explore its full UAS capabilities.
Supporting Defense and Industry Needs at the Pendleton UAS Range
Pendleton has a strong operational history, facilitating over 65,000 UAS operations and positioning it as a leading facility for defense contractor support. Military units utilize Pendleton for drone training as the U.S. military expands drone capabilities. Pendleton’s infrastructure supports rapid development and battlefield assembly. Defense contractors value the range, noting the absence of red tape, which simplifies testing and operational success for their unmanned aerial systems.
Economic Impact in Oregon from the Pendleton UAS Range
The UAS industry is a rapidly growing sector, with Oregon being an early adopter. The Pendleton UAS Range is a major contributor, acting as a hub for research and development and supporting numerous UAS companies statewide. This sector already employs over 1,000 people in Oregon and generates significant economic impact. This new funding is expected to spur further growth at the Pendleton UAS Range, boosting local jobs and revenue for Oregon drone technology.
A Nexus for UAS Innovation and Drone Testing Facility
Pendleton provides state-of-the-art facilities, including modern hangars and specialized test pads, alongside secure UAS industrial parks. The Pendleton UAS Range supports complex operations like beyond-line-of-sight testing and swarming and counter-UAS tactics. The Oregon UAS Accelerator leverages these assets to help startups innovate and drives commercialization of new drone technologies, making it a crucial drone testing facility.
The Future of UAS Testing at the Pendleton UAS Range
This budget allocation solidifies Pendleton’s leadership and enhances its role as a premier testing destination. The Pendleton UAS Range is engineered for speed and safety, offering the flexibility needed for diverse testing requirements. This investment ensures the Pendleton UAS Range’s continued competitiveness and supports the evolution of unmanned aviation. This development is positive news for Oregon’s technology sector, highlighting the critical importance of this facility for future advancements in unmanned aerial systems.
