ESCC Accepts UAS Donation

Eastern Shore Community College and its Foundation have accepted the donation of $1.8 million worth of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) equipment, including two fixed-wing aircraft, a ground control van and supporting electronics. The equipment, gifted from a Delaware estate, will be used to help the College expand its UAS learning programs and support business, research and government requirements on the Eastern Shore.

“Uncrewed vehicle technologies, especially aircraft systems, are critically important in America, especially to rural communities,” said ESCC President Dr. Daryl Minus.  “NASA anticipates the number of low altitude missions to approach 6 million per day by 2032, with the greatest impact being in package delivery, disaster response and infrastructure support. Already, the Eastern Shore is pioneering the use of UAS vehicles in agricultural uses, rural medical package delivery and aerospace support.  This donation will allow the College to significantly expand these capabilities.”

Over the past four years, ESCC’s FAA Part 107 (UAS) commercial licensing class, operated in collaboration with Sentinel Robotics Systems (SRS Group), has trained 106 students and supported an additional 38 Department of Adult Rehabilitation Services (DARS) clients in earning FAA recreational UAS certifications. ESCC is also a participant in the FAA’s UAS-Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI). These accomplishments reflect the College’s longstanding commitment to preparing a skilled UAS workforce.

“Sentinel Robotic Solutions (SRS) has worked closely with the College, Summit Aviation, EDDJ Aviation and Luminary Air Group to secure and deliver this massive UAS capability to the Eastern Shore, which dovetails nicely with the existing UAS initiatives at the college,” stated Peter Bale, SRS Chief Operating Officer/Founder.  “We are pleased to have the equipment now housed at Accomack County Airport, with the support of the Accomack EDA (Economic Development Authority), and look forward to seeing these Aircraft in the air soon.”

The donation includes two complete mobile aircraft, a mobile ground control station and other support equipment. The platforms can stay aloft for between five to seven hours depending on configuration and can be used for payload testing, range surveillance and a multitude of other real-world applications. ESCC plans to create several new workforce and academic programs to support the UAS sector, as well as a business plan to make the program self-sustaining. 

For more information, please contact Scott Hall, Director of Workforce Services at 757-789-7979.