FACULTY NEWS
Building the Future of Experimental Flight Dr. Kyle Collins and Kati Callahan
In advanced air mobility and autonomous systems research, CAAM teams have developed and validated a vision-based aircraft detection and tracking system for uncrewed platforms. Work now focuses on improving reliability by integrating optical and LiDAR sensing in lightweight onboard systems. On the certification side, the PSTLE project at the Prescott Campus is advancing installation of air data probe systems across a fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft. After consultation with FAA representatives, the team shifted from pursuing a Supplemental Type Certificate to a field approval pathway to reduce cost and timeline. The first aircraft has been instrumented and is moving through inspection. Collectively, these initiatives reinforce CAAM’s role as a hands-on flight research hub where students gain real-world testing experience while advancing practical solutions in uncrewed systems, advanced air mobility and applied aeronautics research.
The Center for Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) at Embry-Riddle continues to support a strong mix of externally and internally funded projects centered on experimental flight testing, advanced uncrewed systems and certification-focused research. Across these efforts, student and faculty teams are moving from development into meaningful flight validation while staying aligned with sponsor goals. One major effort is CAAM’s role in DARPA’s ALBATROSS program, in collaboration with Mississippi State University. The broader goal of the program is to reduce the energy required for electrically powered glider-type uncrewed aircraft by leveraging natural lift sources such as thermals, ridge lift and dynamic soaring. CAAM’s responsibility is developmental flight testing, including evaluation of onboard sensors that detect water and ground surfaces. The team has integrated LiDAR and infrared cameras onto an RC glider platform and is preparing for over-water data collection. The Wayfarer project has entered a focused flight-test phase using an experimental Cessna 182. Current work centers on structured flight maneuvers to improve aircraft modeling and system calibration. The goal is to build high- quality flight data that supports ongoing research and future modifications. Several internally funded projects are also progressing into flight experimentation. A project investigating a tail-sitter concept with unique propeller controls has completed fabrication of a dual-motor VTOL aircraft and has begun hover testing while refining flight controls.
DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING | 11
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