AUVSI Backs Pro-Unmanned Systems Rulemaking in Congressional Testimony

Amidst all the chatter in the media as of late on the use of drones, looks like there is still a push to increase the usage of drones by the military. Just read this yesterday:

AUVSI is in favor of federal rulemaking that would benefit the greater use of unmanned systems, such as by allowing greater access to the National Airspace System and simplifying export-control regulations, the chair of AUVSI's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advocacy Committee told members of Congress on 23 March.

Michael S. Fagan testified before the House National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee's Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee as part of a hearing named "Rise of the Drones: Unmanned Systems and the Future of War."

"UAS technology will continue to increase in the current U.S. regulatory environment, but it will more efficiently and effectively provide benefits to warfighters if UAS manufacturers can more easily and frequently get access to airspace that permits their research, development, test and evaluation flights," Fagan said. "AUVSI is in favor of FAA rulemaking that will enable increased airspace access for UAS manufacturers," as well as for educational institutions, he added.

Commercial industries are also standing by to make greater use of unmanned systems, and "this demand has the potential to drive a rapid advance of the technology," he said. "The United States has an opportunity to be at the forefront of the research and development of these advanced systems if it can address regulatory obstacles."

Industry growth is adversely affected by International Traffic in Arms Regulations for the export of some UAS technologies, and by a lengthy license approval process by Political Military Defense Trade Controls (PM-DTC), he said.

"AUVSI is an advocate for simplified export-control regulations and expedited license approvals for unmanned systems technologies."

Other speakers appearing before the committee included the Brookings Institution's Peter Singer, author of "Wired for War," and Dyke Weatherington, deputy director for unmanned warfare in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics).