Battle Creek to Pioneer Autonomous Drone Flights with New BVLOS Infrastructure.
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Battle Creek, Michigan, is set to launch the state's first autonomous drone program with ResilienX, building Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) infrastructure to attract Advanced Air Mobility companies.
Key Takeaways
- •Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) selected ResilienX to build the ground-based sense and avoid system for the MICH-AIR Advanced Air Mobility hub.
- •The multi-year MICH-AIR effort is establishing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capability, a critical step for scalable autonomous drone operations.
- •The project is funded in part by a $7 million state appropriation and leverages the Battle Creek Executive Airport’s existing aviation ecosystem, including WMU's College of Aviation and the Air National Guard.
Battle Creek, Michigan, is preparing to launch a first-of-its-kind Michigan autonomous drone program. The city is building the necessary digital infrastructure. This will allow uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to fly autonomously. Operations are expected to begin within one year, officials stated.
Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU), the city's economic development organization, is spearheading the effort. The project is known as the MICH-AIR effort. It aims to establish Battle Creek as a major hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). BCU secured a significant $7 million appropriation in the 2024 Michigan State Budget for the initiative.
Enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
Central to the MICH-AIR initiative is the capability for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight. BVLOS allows a drone to fly outside the operator's direct sight. This is crucial for scalable commercial operations.
BCU selected ResilienX uncrewed aviation company for this task. ResilienX, a Syracuse, New York-based firm, will develop the ground-based sense and avoid system. This system creates a safe, integrated physical and digital operating environment. It will enable routine Battle Creek drone operations across the region.
ResilienX specializes in safety assurance solutions for autonomous ecosystems. Their work includes integrating cooperative and non-cooperative surveillance. This technology is vital for maintaining safety in complex airspace.
Potential Use Cases and Economic Impact
The new BVLOS infrastructure will support diverse use cases. These include medical logistics and drone package delivery. Other applications are public safety, first response, and building inspections. BCU is leading community engagement to determine the greatest impact areas.
The long-term goal is to attract AAM companies to the region. This includes manufacturers of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL aircraft manufacturing) vehicles. Organizers want the vehicles manufactured, maintained, and operated in Battle Creek. Jobs in this advanced air mobility space are typically high-skilled and high-paying.
Battle Creek’s Aviation Assets
Organizers believe Battle Creek is the ideal location for this technology. The Battle Creek Executive Airport (BTL) provides a strong foundation.
Key aviation entities at BTL include:
- Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, which trains pilots and mechanics.
- The Michigan Air National Guard’s 110th Wing, which has a remote drone operations mission.
- Duncan Aviation, a major maintenance/repair/overhaul (MRO) provider.
- Manufacturers Waco Aircraft and Junkers Aircraft.
These assets create a complete ecosystem for the new industry. The BVLOS system is designed to be scalable across Michigan and potentially beyond.
Regulatory Context
The project aligns with current regulatory trends in the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively prioritizing AAM integration. The FAA has been working on a final BVLOS rule, anticipated by early 2026. This new rule aims to normalize commercial BVLOS operations. It would replace the slow, case-by-case waiver process. The MICH-AIR infrastructure positions Battle Creek to benefit immediately from these regulatory advancements. It will make the region highly attractive to operators seeking scalable, routine flight permissions.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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