A team at Harris Corp. in Melbourne is working to "safely integrate the unmanned aircraft into the manned aircraft world."
- Harris Corp. developing new technology to keep an eye on drones
- Helps pilots spot drones, helps drone operators avoid collisions
- Tests will start in North Dakota
Just in the last year, the Federal Aviation Administration has registered some 700,000 unmanned aircraft, or drones.
Compare that to the 220,000 manned aircraft the FAA has registered in 110 years.
It's getting crowded up there.
"Unmanned aircraft are transforming the national airspace system," said Jim Cieplak said, who is part of a Harris Corporation team with its eye on the sky
Air traffic controllers have to figure out how to keep an eye on them all.
Harris Corp. is developing new technology to help track those drones.
The work involves electronic see, detect and avoid technology -- meaning it will help pilots spot drones, and drone operators avoid collisions with passenger aircraft.
"And ensure that the unmanned aircraft won't fly in airspace it's not supposed to be in," said Cieplak.
The first test site will be in North Dakota. Harris is partnering with the University of North Dakota for operations on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, using a two-year long grant.
For Cieplak, he's proud the technology he's developing will make flying safer for everyone.
"This will revolutionize our airspace with benefits directly to the people," he said.
Harris is also hoping to use this drone tracking technology to partner with railroads and electric utility companies to improve public safety.