PNNL launches the DataHawk at Pendleton UAS Range with AgTS.

Pendleton, OR – The Pendleton UAS Range (PUR), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and ArgenTech Solutions (AgTS) conducted Unmanned Aircraft operations this week in the skies above the fields of Pendleton. The PNNL flights were conducted in support of PNNL aircrew currency and science sensor testing to augment upcoming research and atmospheric testing campaigns.

Headquartered in Richland, WA, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is one of ten U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories managed by DOE’s Office of Science. PNNL’s research works to find solutions for not only DOE, but for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Nuclear Security Administration, other government agencies, universities and industry. PNNL science teams focus on problems effecting four areas: science, energy, the earth, and national security.

The DataHawk small Unmanned Aircraft is the latest tool added to PNNL’s aviation program to assist scientists with atmospheric testing. The DataHawk is a 1.5-lb unmanned aircraft, developed by University of Colorado at Boulder and based on the commercially available Stryker F-27C model aircraft foam airframe with electric propulsion. “It is great to finally get into the air with these aircraft,” said Mike Hubbell, Director of Flight Operations for PNNL. “This is the first of many trips to the PUR that will enhance our ability to gather scientific data with UAS. The City of Pendleton and AgTS have provided the ideal operational area for us to complete our current and future missions.”

Accompanying the PNNL team was a Pendleton Test Range Representative from ArgenTech Solutions (AgTS), providing Range Safety and process compliance throughout operations. AgTS is a multi-faceted, technical services company that uses extensive experience across manned and unmanned aviation to provide exceptional remote sensing operations, logistics, training, and program development solutions to customers. “This is a great opportunity to ultimately incorporate the safe integration of manned and unmanned aircraft operations into long-term PNNL training and testing objectives, and we are happy to be assisting with this project” said Jen Armstrong, VP Commercial Services at AgTS.

The Pendleton UAS Range is part of the Alaskan led Pan-Pacific Test Site Complex, one of the six FAA designated testing locations in the country. The State of Oregon supports the Pendleton UAS Range through SOAR Oregon, a state-funded non-profit with the mission of fostering the growth of Oregon’s unmanned aircraft industry. “We are pleased to welcome PNNL to Oregon’s #Siliconsky. We are excited that PNNL is taking advantage of the exceptional value offered by conducting operations at Pendleton with the help of ArgenTech,” said Scott Kinney, SOAR Oregon Director of Business Development.

Flight operations were conducted at the Pendleton UAS Range, in Class G airspace under visual meteorological conditions, at and below 400 feet AGL, during daylight hours. Multiple flights were conducted daily above unpopulated areas and in accordance with FAA regulations.

Please find out more information at the Pendleton UAS range website: www.pendletonUAS.com
Northwest Laboratories, Proudly Operated by Battelle since 1965: www.pnl.gov/
ArgenTech Solutions is a VOSB headquartered in Newmarket, NH: www.argentechsolutions.com/
SOAR OR is a state-funded, non-profit focused on OR UAS industry growth: www.soaroregon.com/