This partnership has set the stage for an East Coast test and evaluation corridor that will cater to both military and civilian uses. The corridor will support the development, demonstration, and evaluation of cutting-edge UAS and AAM technologies across military, government, academic, and commercial sectors.

“USTRANSCOM and AMC are major players in aviation. Their interest in working with the NARTP helps to advance both the development of the NARTP and the emerging aviation industry in New Jersey’s Atlantic County,” stated NARTP Board Chairman Mark Loeben, a retired Air Force major general and American Airlines captain.

This dual-use corridor is unlike any other. Not only will it allow for the safe and efficient integration of new air mobility technologies into the national airspace, but it will also permit the testing of civilian craft from non-defense sites, including the NARTP.

The uncrewed systems and AAM technologies being developed today are expected to revolutionize air transportation. From drones to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, these innovations will provide fast, eco-friendly options to move people and cargo between harder-to-reach locations. The corridor will accelerate the testing of these technologies, fostering their eventual adoption on a broader scale.

The strategic location of the corridor offers unique advantages for robust testing scenarios. By stretching across key infrastructure in New Jersey and Delaware, it gives stakeholders the ability to rapidly assess operational capabilities, technical concepts, and measures of value in real-world settings.

Located in Atlantic County, NJ, the NARTP plays a vital role in supporting aviation advancements. The NARTP connects to the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center and Atlantic City International Airport—both recognized leaders in aviation research. This connection positions NARTP as a central hub within this expansive testing corridor.

Howard J. Kyle, President of NARTP, emphasized the importance of collaboration in aviation breakthroughs. “The CRADA is an outcome of the NARTP’s work with AMC and FAA on the Airfield Autonomy Initiative (AAI). This collaboration is advancing automated airfield technology with applications ranging from foreign object debris removal to perimeter patrol.”

NARTP’s efforts to catalyze economic growth are further bolstered by the Atlantic County Economic Alliance, which is funding parts of the CRADA implementation through grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (USEDA). Lauren Moore, ACEA President, highlighted the project’s broader impact, noting, “Opening the airspace for military and civilian UAS/AAM research will create significant economic development opportunities that will benefit the entire state of New Jersey.”

This collaborative project isn’t just about technology—it’s about transforming the aviation landscape as we know it.

U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), a unified command within the Department of Defense, emphasizes strategic air, land, and sea transportation capabilities. Air Mobility Command (AMC), a component of USTRANSCOM, plays a pivotal role by providing global air mobility support, advanced airlift capabilities, and aeromedical evacuation services.

Meanwhile, NARTP is setting ambitious goals to foster innovation through collaboration. By leveraging partnerships spanning business, academia, and government, the NARTP ensures that advanced aviation technologies are rigorously researched, developed, and eventually commercialized.

The East Coast test corridor is creating a ripple effect of opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and enhanced national security. Here’s why it’s important:

• Accelerated UAS & AAM Development: The corridor provides a safe, dedicated space to test game-changing technologies.
• Economic Growth: By bringing together public and private stakeholders, it fosters a thriving ecosystem for aerospace development in New Jersey and beyond.
• Global Leadership: The initiative further solidifies the U.S. as a leader in next-generation aviation technologies.

With the UAS/AAM corridor now underway, the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation are being pushed every day. Collaborations between key players like USTRANSCOM, AMC, NARTP, and ACEA are paving the way for an innovation-driven economy while addressing the safety and integration challenges of these technologies.

With ties to federal resources like the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center and the Atlantic City International Airport, NARTP continues to be a driving force behind these advancements.

By focusing on collaboration to drive innovation, this project serves as a beacon for the future of aviation. Keep an eye on this space—it’s only the beginning for what this dual-use East Coast test corridor will achieve.

To learn more about the NARTP and their groundbreaking efforts, visit nartp.com.