Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sightings over New Jersey and other states are bringing questions about the potential risks posed by drones—and the technologies to counter them—to the forefront.

Tombo Jones is the director of Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), one of only seven FAA-designated UAS test sites. Jones, his team, and Virginia Tech’s National Security Institute are leading the charge in addressing critical threats posed by the rise of commercial-off-the-shelf UAS and systems manufactured by foreign adversaries. “While they can do a lot of good, there has certainly been an uptick in drones being used for nefarious purposes. That's where the unique blend of UAS and national security research at Virginia Tech can help the federal government confront this rapidly evolving threat landscape."

As the technologies evolve, detecting and mitigating the threats of drones becomes even more essential. “It can be difficult to detect drones, determine their intent, and keep drones away from sensitive areas or critical infrastructure,” said Jones. “There are different systems designed or in development to detect and counter drones, but they each have strengths and weaknesses. Understanding which systems work best in different environments and which systems should be paired with one another to provide robust security is a complex problem.” 

“The FAA has a number of rules in place for drone operators,” Jones explained, “This includes a mandate that requires all drones to broadcast information to allow law enforcement to determine the purpose of drone flights and who is operating those drones. It is also in the process of making a rule that will designate certain infrastructure as critical, a rule intended to provide drone operators with a notice of where they shouldn’t fly.”

Jones said the specialized facilities and unique combination of expertise make Virginia Tech a vital partner in advancing the nation’s counter-UAS priorities. The MAAP has led drone-related research on behalf of the U.S. Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The university is currently engaged with the U.S. Army on a new Counter-UAS Testing and Research Center.

This testing and research center will provide an indoor lab (sterile testing environment) and an outdoor lab (testing in a real-world environment) for Virginia Tech’s team to provide a state-of-the-art center for evaluating and improving counter UAS systems so they can better detect drones and protect our vulnerable resources,” said Jones.

About Jones

Tombo Jones’ unique blend of aviation expertise and skilled leadership anchor his role as Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) director. He leads MAAP’s work as an FAA-designated UAS test site, an FAA ASSURE partner, as well as its leadership of Virginia’s team in the BEYOND program, directing the management and growth of a portfolio that encompasses major federal drone-integration initiatives and complex technical research projects. He serves on the Governor’s Aerospace Advisory Council and has served on FAA rulemaking committees. Jones joined MAAP in 2017, after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army.

About Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership

The Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) accelerates the unmanned aircraft industry by connecting industry problems with solutions from innovative research. It is one of only seven FAA-designated UAS test sites. MAAP works alongside the FAA, federal agencies, and leading companies on fundamental research and advanced testing, bridging industry goals and regulatory priorities to develop practical, powerful, evidence-based solutions that set new precedents and lay the groundwork for expanded operations. Researchers with MAAP are actively engaged in the development of industry standards, using data and insights drawn from our work to shape the framework that will support the evolution of this technology towards its tremendous potential.

About Virginia Tech National Security Institute

Drawing on the experience of its faculty members and experts, the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) produces research and impacts policy related to practical challenges facing national intelligence, defense, homeland security, and cybersecurity communities. The institute includes some of the nation’s leading researchers in autonomy, spectrum dominance, cyber security and resilience, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, among other critical national security-focused research areas. VTNSI bolsters the university's longstanding role as a preeminent academic organization at the nexus of research, technology, policy, and talent development that spans the national security ecosystem"

Interview

To schedule a live or recorded interview, contact Margaret Ashburn in the media relations office at mkashburn@vt.edu or 540-529-0814.

Contact:

Tags

Share this story