University Of Colorado To Test Drones In San Luis Valley

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - The University of Colorado says it will help test two kinds of drones in southern Colorado's San Luis Valley.

The university announced Monday that the FAA has approved the launching and testing of the unmanned aircraft by the school and the nonprofit aerospace advocacy group, UAS Colorado.

The two types of unmanned aircraft systems to be tested are a 120-pound vertical takeoff craft called the Reference Technologies Hummingbird and a smaller craft still being developed that will be able to carry up to 8 lbs.

In a statement, CU said the drones are cleared to fly in an 8,000-square-mile airspace at up to 15,000 feet. The main hub for testing will be the Leach Airport in Center, Colorado but other airports in the rural valley will also be involved.

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