Advanced Technology Initiatives Program
Published May 17, 2022
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has developed a bold and innovative Emerging Aviation Technology Center within the boundaries of a tribal-owned property in southeast Oklahoma. Spanning more than 44,500 acres – this location is ideal for safely testing and developing emerging aviation operations due to a low population density.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has also built out important safety infrastructure, including: ground-based radar systems, advanced command and control – or “C2” – communication networks, as well as other infrastructure and facilities to support the development and testing of next-generation aviation technologies. An aviation testing “sandbox” has been created which begins at the surface of the Choctaw Nation Emerging Aviation Technology Center.
The Choctaw Nation can utilize and leverage multiple layers of airspace safety technology, such as ADS-B and advanced ground-based radar, to monitor and manage low-altitude air traffic over the test area.