A military engineering company has won the state government contract to deliver Cloncurry's new drone facility.
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QinetiQ Australia will design and construct an unmanned aerial systems flight test range at Cloncurry Airport on behalf of the Queensland government.
The $14.5m flight test range will consist of access to a commercial quality runway, dedicated hangar and workshop, and range control centre.
QinetiQ Australia managing director Greg Barsby said they were proud to support the Queensland government vision to be a world leader in unmanned aerial systems technologies at Cloncurry.
"QinetiQ manages some of the world's most advanced range facilities across the land, maritime and aerospace domains and by drawing on our global experience, QinetiQ and our partners will deliver this facility, the largest of its kind in the region," Mr Barsby said.
."The QinetiQ team is looking forward to working with the Queensland government, Cloncurry Shire Council and regional SMEs to develop this facility. It will be a critical component in the overall drone ecosystem, as an enabler and connector of high-technology UAS programs and initiatives."
The capability offered by the facility will support all weight classes of UAS for routine flying operations and demonstration activities.
Future phases of development will support the full range of ground and flight test activity, providing an Australian home for the conduct of highly complex developmental test programs.
Queensland Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation Kate Jones said the project will provide a key missing element for UAS research and development.
"The Queensland government was the first in Australia to launch a drone strategy, and now we're well on the way to becoming the nation's drone technology capital," Ms Jones said.
Minister Jones said QinetiQ has been appointed to manage the construction of the facility, which is expected to be finished later this year.
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