In the Spotlight

FAMS Counter UAS Flight Training Collaboration Participants. Personnel from the Airports Emerging Technology Section, provided oversight, operational control, and subject matter expertise (SME) to the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) as they trained pilots assigned to their Counter Drone program for deployment to support World Cup initiatives on June 8-11, 2026. Fifteen pilots graduated the training, which ensured operational dexterity in flying unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in various operating domains, with a sound integration of operating in an airport environment and optimizing safety in the National Airspace System (NAS).

The Federal partner support epitomized all five focus areas for the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace, by way of advancing our workforce, training and testing new technologies, continuing the outreach and fortifying the Federal partnership, and putting the E263 on the map as the premier facilitators of training and testing for the communities of practice that have Counter-UAS (C-UAS) missions on or around airports.

William Perkins | ANG-E263

Dr. Dan Offenbacker and a support contractor team conducted a site visit to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on June 12, 2026 to collect asphalt mixtures from a paving project that includes recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in the mix. The purpose of the sample collection is to evaluate the performance of FAA Specification P-401 asphalt mixtures containing RAP. The asphalt mixtures will be evaluated for fatigue resistance (long term cooler temperature related distress), cracking, and rutting resistance (high load or high temperature related distress) in the laboratory. The study further aims to assess P-401 mixture variability during production, (i.e. variability as it comes from the asphalt plant vs laboratory produced material). The findings from this field collection are expected to guide conclusions regarding the viability of incorporating up to 20% RAP into the FAA standards for P-401 surface asphalt mixtures. Current FAA standards do not allow the use of RAP in asphalt surface layers.

Dr. Dan Offenbacker | ANG-E262

Dr. Dan Offenbacker presented at the 2026 TRB Symposium on Aviation Innovation and Research in Dayton, Ohio during the session titled Latest Advances in Airfield Pavement Design and Evaluation. The presentation focused on the FAA's research initiative of "Moving Towards 40-Year Airport Pavement Design Life," highlighting the agency's efforts to extend structural longevity and optimize long-term pavement performance. The session drew approximately 20 attendees from across the aviation industry and concluded with a panel Q&A session. This presentation serves to share current FAA pavement design methodologies and engage with industry stakeholders on upcoming advancements in airport pavement design and evaluation.

Dr. Dan Offenbacker | ANG-E262

Russ Gorman | ANG-E263

Electra's EL2 Ultra-Short Technology Demonstrator On June 5th, Ryan King from the Airport Emerging Technology R&D Section and research support contractors from Woolpert, Inc. conducted flight tests with Electra.aero in Piney Point, MD as part of an ongoing effort to support the establishment of performance informed design guidance for vertical flight infrastructure. The flight tests comprised a series of takeoffs and landings of Electra's EL2 Ultra-Short Technology Demonstrator; a two-seater, hybrid-electric, distributed propulsion short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft. The test site was located at Piney Point, MD Airport (MD85), a private, non-towered, facility. The objective of the activity was to measure the takeoff roll and stopping distances during maximum performance i.e. takeoffs in the shortest distance possible and maximum braking during landings.

Researchers used temporary chalk marking paint to apply special markings on the pavement to indicate the landing zone. An array of GoPro cameras was deployed along the length of the test runway to capture the locations of wheels up during takeoffs and touchdown points during landings. The precise starting and stopping points for each flight were surveyed using a total station, and ambient wind speeds and directions were recorded on an ultrasonic 3-D anemometer located adjacent to the runway. Nearly 90 operations were performed and collected data will be compiled and analyzed to further refine future test campaigns and validate the EL2's performance capabilities. These flight tests represent the first collaborative activity between the FAA and Electra under a newly executed Cooperative Research and Development Agreement.

Ryan King | ANG-E263