BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Officials with the Battle Creek Executive Airport are currently in talks of developing a new drone park.
Officials say they are currently in talks with nonprofit Battle Creek Unlimited to develop the project. It would mainly be used for unmanned aircraft.
Officials cite the increasing development of unmanned aircraft for non-military purposes as part of the idea behind the drone park. It would allow manufacturers to set up on the premises in order to develop and research new vehicles.
Officials also say that there is some interest in unmanned package delivery. The availability of both space on the property and the amount of available airspace makes it a good location to have one.
Since the airspace is not as busy when compared to other airports, manufacturers would be able to test drive any new drone devices or unmanned vehicles with ease.
Only one other park of this kind exists in the country, which is known as the Grand Sky Drone Park. It is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Estimates for the project clock in at around $10 million to start with. Airport officials are now working to develop a plan for where exactly the drone park should be, as well as beginning the process for gathering funds.
