US-based Universal Power Industry’s (UPIN) wholly owned subsidiary WavDrone has decided to commence flight testing of its carbon-nanotube drones.

The flight testing of the drones and drone intercept technologies will be carried out at Griffis International Airport.

Based in Rome, New York, Griffiss Airport is a former Air Force base and currently serves as one of the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) test facilities for unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The facility is part of the New York’s 50-mile UAS corridor between Syracuse and Rome. The FAA and Nasa are responsible for managing operations for UAS testing.

It also plays a role in allowing integration of UAS testing in US airspace and assists beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) testing.

According to the company, Griffiss Airport was selected as it is situated within class D airspace and has permits from both state and federal authorities.

All of these factors will allow the company to conduct tests that are needed to comply with the commercial and military requirements.

The US Air Force has also shown interest in WavDrone’s technology.

UPIN president Tony Chiu said: “We are very excited to begin testing, as this is the final step before submitting our first of three projects to the US Air Force for review and consideration.”

Palo Alto-based start-up WavDrone was acquired by UPIN last month.