Texas A&M Fort Worth chosen as ‘Advanced Aviation Technologies’ test site
April 25, 2025
Dallas-based research institute Texas A&M Fort Worth has been selected to host the upcoming Centre for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) laboratory, designed to “advance the research, development, and integration” of what US Senate commerce committee chairman Ted Cruz described as “innovative aviation technologies”.
From drones delivering your packages to powered lift technologies like air taxis, we are the cusp of an aviation revolution,” commented US transportation secretary Sean Duffy. “The CAAT will ensure we make that dream a reality and unleash American innovation safely”.
After considering 28 proposals from entities across multiple sites, Texas A&M University System was selected as the project’s manging entity for three main reasons, explained the US Department of Transportation. These include its proximity to major airports and FAA regional headquarters, its existing appropriate infrastructure, and its strong academic programmes and industry partnerships.
Under the Texas A&M leadership, the CAAT will see a consortium of Texas universities, private organisations and the US regulator work to advance technologies and their integration into the national airspace system. These include upcoming Advanced Air Mobility systems. The US Department of Transportation added that the centre “will also represent a collaboration between government, academia, and industry”.
This latest announcement builds on a previously authorised North Texas test site, used by multiple companies to conduct commercial drone operations. Under the FAA Reauthorisation Act of 2024, the CAAT will also be required to develop what it calls an ‘airspace laboratory,’ flight demonstration zones and testing corridors.
