Battle Creek is set to become a hub for advanced air mobility, making way for autonomous aircraft operations in the region.
ResilienX, a company based in Syracuse, New York, has been chosen to build the system at the Battle Creek Executive Airport, according to an announcement from Battle Creek Unlimited. This system, expected to become operational within a year, will allow for remote and autonomous aircraft operations beyond visual line of sight.
This initiative is part of MICH-AIR, aimed at attracting aerospace investments and creating high-skill jobs in Battle Creek.
The project is funded by a $7 million allocation from the 2024 Michigan State Budget under the ‘Make it in Michigan’ initiative.
Once deployed, the system will be scalable throughout the state and potentially further. It will support various operations, from public safety to medical logistics, infrastructure inspection, advanced manufacturing and defense missions.
The Battle Creek Executive Airport provides ample space for the project, with more than 200 acres available for development. It already hosts Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, the 110th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard and several aviation businesses.
“Partnering with ResilienX accelerates our vision for MICH-AIR and strengthens Battle Creek’s role in the future of aviation,” Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) President & CEO Joe Sobieralski said in the announcement.
Andrew Carter, CEO of ResilienX, said that this investment is more about building long-term infrastructure than conducting experiments.
“Battle Creek is making a deliberate investment in infrastructure, not experiments,” Carter said in the announcement.
With ResilienX’s system, Battle Creek will become one of the few places in the United States capable of enabling such advanced drone operations, according to the announcement.