Northwest Aerospace News — Issue No. 31 February | March 2023 | Page 36

Pendleton UAS Range ( PUR )
There are good reasons that a drone isn ’ t proven until it ’ s “ Proven in Pendleton .” PUR joined the PNDC this year , and with 14,000 square miles of range space approved for unmanned aircraft systems ( UAS ) operations from surface to 15,000 feet mean sea level ( MSL ) and 30,000 square feet of new hangar space , it ’ s no wonder they average 3,000 test operations per month — the largest number in the Northwest .
Pendleton is the fastest , most affordable , and most turnkey path to developing and testing new UAS platforms and payloads . PUR is truly a one-stop shop where drone developers can perform flight test operations , fabricate new or replacement parts and train users . They have a full machine shop , 3D printing lab and an electronics lab .
“ Our goal is to do business with companies that do business with the government ,” said Steve Chrisman , economic development and airport director with PUR . “ SIGMADESIGN , which operates our on-site machine shop , recommended PNDC . Since we joined , PNDC has helped us connect to the right companies and to government officials who can recommend our UAS range to those trying to do business with the government .”
Recently , PUR hosted a Pacific Northwest Mission Acceleration Center ( PNW MAC ) Innovation Luncheon , and through networking with defense industry insiders they have made new contacts on both the government side and the supplier side .
“ I literally saw business development benefits to membership within 30 days of joining ,” said Chrisman . “ I can ’ t say that about most organizations we belong to .”
You can get more information on the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition at pndc . us .
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