Hawthorne Army Depot provides opportunities for research and development

By Ms. Lucy Engebresten (AMC)December 15, 2015

Hawthorne Army Depot provides opportunities for research and development
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HAWTHORNE ARMY DEPOT, Nev. -- Keeping pace with the future necessitates keeping in step with technology as it develops. Representatives from the Governor's Office of Economic Development, the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems, the Nevada Advanced Autonomous Innovation Center from the University of Nevada, Reno, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Desert Research Institute met with Hawthorne military, contractor and community leaders and drone companies from Nevada and beyond in December to explore the possibilities of bringing innovative testing and development to the Hawthorne Army Depot.

HWAD has varying terrain, ranging from desert to lake to mountain areas, which provides expansive opportunities to adapt unmanned autonomous systems to meet a wide array of applications.

Two types of UAS were demonstrated at HWAD - fixed wing and multi-rotor. Fixed wing UAS fly forward at all times and offer greater speed and range than multi-rotor craft. However, the multi-rotor UAS, such as opticopters, quadcoptors and hexacopters, are more stable and can hover in areas to provide more detailed information.

Both systems can be utilized to conduct aerial mapping; identify anomalies along railroads, bridges, and power lines; conduct wildlife surveys; spot speeding vehicles; deliver packages; detect wildfires; and assist with locating survivors and conducting damage assessments following a natural disaster.

As the technology and stability of the UAS and unmanned aerial vehicles increase, so will the opportunities to positively impact government and business operations.

Lt. Col. Gregory Gibbons, commander of HWAD, said "We're excited to be part of this developing industry. Upon NIAS vetting and clearance through our installation security process, HWAD can provide our industry partners the infrastructure and testing locations through the U.S. Army's Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support Program to support establishment of a world class UAS testing center."

Related Links:

Hawthorne Army Depot webpage

Hawhtorne Army Depot on facebook