K-State Salina to publicly unveil drone complex next week

Kansas State University-Salina said it will host a grand opening next week of an enclosed drone facility it is calling the UAS Pavilion.

The 300-foot-long by 200-foot-wide and 50-foot-tall facility will allow students and staff to conduct unmanned aerial systems operations and research at its Salina campus near the Salina Regional Airport. Since inception of its UAS program in 2009, the program has had to conduct those operations away from the campus because of its proximity to the airport.

The pavilion is constructed of custom fabricated netting panels on all sides and across the top, attached to 25 wooden poles donated and installed by Westar Energy. The utility company and K-State Salina have been collaborating on UAS research and training, focusing on the use of UAS for inspecting Westar’s equipment, utility lines and poles.

A public grand opening of the pavilion is set for at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Salina campus, 2310 Centennial Road.

This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 11:03 AM with the headline "K-State Salina to publicly unveil drone complex next week."