Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems has been awarded USD 3 million to develop beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) technology for agricultural use.
The funding was approved by the Kansas Legislature and Governor Laura Kelly to accelerate the development of agricultural and aviation technology in Kansas.
Farmers, ranchers, and agriculture business retailers use BVLOS UAS operations to improve yields, cut input costs, manage livestock and expand opportunities for precision agriculture development.
Lukas Koch, CEO of Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, said the investment would fund BVLOS radar technology. “Kelly Hills is focused on commercialising UAS technology and strengthening an internationally recognised testing environment that attracts federal partnerships, private investment and next generation jobs.”
The company works with UAS manufacturers and collaborates with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Kansas Department of Transportation and the University of Alaska at Fairbanks to ensure operations meet safety and regulatory standards. In 2024, Kelly Hills earned an FAA license to operate a 49,000 sq mile UAV test range. The BVLOS technology will support and expand the capabilities of the Kelly Hills range.
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Image: Kelly Hills