Oklahoma’s Vision for Advanced Mobility: A Comprehensive Strategy

Drone technology offers many opportunities for economic development. Oklahoma envisions a future where advanced mobility technologies, encompassing both Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), revolutionize transportation and bolster the state’s economy. The state’s vision is clearly articulated in the “Oklahoma Advanced Mobility Strategy” document, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for achieving this goal.

Vision, Mission, and Goals

Oklahoma’s vision for advanced mobility centers on:

• Improving economic opportunity and quality of life for all Oklahomans. This vision highlights the state’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of advanced mobility are distributed equitably, reaching both urban and rural communities.

To realize this vision, Oklahoma has defined a clear mission:

• Accelerate development, testing and adoption of advanced mobility technologies through proactive, coordinated state-level guidance and efforts. This mission statement emphasizes the state’s proactive approach in fostering innovation and establishing a supportive ecosystem for advanced mobility.

The state’s overarching goal for advanced mobility is to:

• Leverage advanced mobility technologies to improving efficiency, safety, resilience, access and economic opportunity in Oklahoma. This goal encompasses various aspects of the transportation system, aiming to create a more efficient, sustainable, and accessible network for all Oklahomans.

Embracing the “Modern Mobility Frontier”

Oklahoma embraces its role as the “Modern Mobility Frontier,” capitalizing on its unique strengths and positioning itself as a national leader in advanced mobility. The state recognizes that advanced mobility is not merely a future aspiration but a present reality, and seizing the opportunities it presents is crucial for economic growth and exploring the societal impact of new technologies. Oklahoma also hosts some drone industry events including the Thunderbird Drone Festival.

Strategic Advantages

Several key factors contribute to Oklahoma’s competitive edge in advanced mobility:

• Favorable Location and Airspace: Oklahoma boasts a favorable climate with over 350 flying days per year, a central location ideal for a transportation technology hub, and abundant low-risk airspace suitable for testing and operations.
• Robust Industry Base: Oklahoma has a well-established aerospace and defense industry, with over 1,110 aerospace entities and 120,000 aerospace jobs. The state also has a strong trucking industry, moving 150 million tons of freight annually.
• Strong Workforce Pipeline: Oklahoma is committed to developing a skilled workforce to support the advanced mobility industry. Initiatives include aerospace education programs spanning K-12 education, university research programs, and workforce development initiatives through Oklahoma CareerTech.
• Supportive Legislative Framework: Oklahoma has enacted advanced mobility-friendly legislation, including the Advanced Mobility Pilot Program, which provides funding for infrastructure development and supports the testing and deployment of new technologies.
• Investment and Infrastructure Foundation: Oklahoma has made significant investments in advanced mobility infrastructure, including the Choctaw Nation UAS Test Site and the Skyway36 Droneport and Technology Innovation Center. These investments, along with existing transportation infrastructure, provide a solid foundation for future growth.

Fostering Partnerships and Collaboration

Oklahoma recognizes the importance of collaboration in advancing the development and adoption of UAS and AAM. The state has established strong partnerships with:

• Federal Agencies: The FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center plays a crucial role in workforce training and research and development. Oklahoma also collaborates with the Department of Defense on various initiatives.
• Tribal Nations: The Choctaw Nation and the Osage Nation are key partners in Oklahoma’s advanced mobility efforts, providing testing facilities and expertise in UAS and AAM.
• Academia: Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma are actively involved in research and development, workforce training, and testing of advanced mobility technologies.
• Industry: Oklahoma works closely with industry partners to foster innovation, attract investment, and promote commercialization of advanced mobility technologies.

Key Use Cases and Applications

Oklahoma has identified several key use cases for UAS and AAM that align with the state’s vision for advanced mobility:

UAS Use Cases:

• First Responder Services: Drones are being utilized by fire departments and police departments for emergency response, search and rescue operations, and surveillance.
• Infrastructure Inspection and Monitoring: Drones are employed for inspecting power lines, pipelines, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, enhancing safety and efficiency.
• Medical Transportation: Drones offer the potential for delivering medical supplies and transporting patients, particularly in rural areas with limited access to healthcare facilities.

AAM Use Cases:

• Regional Air Mobility: AAM aircraft, such as eVTOL, can enhance regional connectivity, providing faster and more efficient transportation between cities and towns.
• Passenger Emergency Services: AAM aircraft can be utilized for medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, and disaster response, improving access to emergency services.
• On-Demand Air Taxi: AAM offers the potential for on-demand air taxi services, providing convenient and efficient transportation options within urban areas and between cities.

A Commitment to Innovation and Progress

Oklahoma’s vision for advanced mobility is rooted in a commitment to innovation, economic growth, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. By leveraging its unique strengths, fostering collaboration, and addressing regulatory challenges, Oklahoma is poised to become a national leader in the development, testing, and deployment of UAS and AAM technologies, shaping the future of transportation and creating new opportunities for generations to come.