DAISY, Okla. (OBV) – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma recently opened an aviation technology research facility with hopes of turning Southeast Oklahoma into a hub for aviation innovation.
Choctaw Nation leaders cut the ribbon on the Emerging Aviation Technology Center in Daisy, Okla., in June.
Located on 44,000 acres of Choctaw-owned land, the three-story, 8,324-square-foot facility will house research, development, testing and evaluation of emerging crewed and uncrewed aerial system technologies, according to Choctaw Nation officials.
“This opening represents another step forward for tribal innovation and the future of aviation technology,” said Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton. “We are proud to lead the way in developing safe and advanced drone operations that will benefit our communities across Oklahoma and beyond.”
The facility includes office space, telemetry rooms, drone maintenance and mechanical repair workrooms, a conference lounge and an observation deck
The new facility is the Choctaw Nation’s latest initiative in its ongoing effort to facilitate aviation technology research. Previous accomplishments are as follows:
- Became first tribal nation to lead a major national aviation technology initiative;
- Recognized as a public aircraft operator; and
- Developed advanced drone operations that include capabilities beyond the visual line of sight.
Choctaw officials hope the Emerging Aviation Technology Center will help Southeast Oklahoma become an aviation innovation hub.
“The Emerging Aviation Technology Center stands at the forefront of advancing critical innovations, such as drone medical deliveries, which have the potential to dramatically improve healthcare access and enhance emergency response across the rural communities of the Choctaw Nation,” said James Grimsley, CNO Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives.
Go to the Choctaw Nation’s Advanced Technology Initiatives website for more information.
