WASHINGTON – The Texas A&M University System has been selected to establish and operate a new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies that will be launched in Fort Worth. The announcement was made by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
The Government’s Decision
- 28 proposals were received from entities across multiple states.
- More than 60% of proposals were from Texas-based organizations.
- The Transportation Department chose Texas A&M because of its proximity to major airports and a regional FAA headquarters, existing infrastructure for advanced aviation testing, strong academic programs and industry partnerships.
Cruz praised Duffy for recognizing the value of locating the center in Texas, saying it was a “win-win situation” for the state and the country.
The Benefits of the New Center
- Authorizes up to $35 million in federal funding per year.
- Intended to attract additional private money through collaboration.
- Will promote research on new aviation technologies, such as drones delivering packages to doorsteps, air taxis, and hypersonic aircraft.
- Could lead to thousands of high-paying jobs and billions in new investments.
The center’s laboratory will be located at Texas A&M Fort Worth and led by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi utilizing its Autonomy Research Institute.
Expertise and Partnerships
- Autonomy Research Institute
- A designation that allows the institute to test unmanned aircraft systems, including those not permitted for general use.
- Existing Infrastructure
- Major airports and a regional FAA headquarters in Texas provide a solid foundation for advanced aviation testing.
- Academic Programs
- Strong programs at Texas A&M universities will provide a solid base for research and development.
- Industry Partnerships
- Partnerships with industry partners will help drive innovation and growth.
“This initiative represents a significant opportunity to harness the expertise of our member institutions and drive innovation in the aviation industry,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp.
Cruz’s Vision
“I’m confident this new research and testing center will help the private sector create thousands of high-paying jobs and grow the Texas economy through billions in new investments,” said Cruz.
Cruz has said he wrote the legislation with an eye toward ensuring the Dallas-Fort Worth area would host the new center. He praised Duffy for recognizing the value of locating the center in Texas.
What’s Next
The project is expected to be a collaborative effort, with the university working closely with private industry partners to attract additional funding.
The Transportation Department and the university will work together to advance the integration of cutting-edge aviation technologies.
Conclusion
This new center will bring significant benefits to the state of Texas and the nation, including job creation, economic growth, and innovation in the aviation industry.
