FAA Launches $8.3M Advanced Air Mobility Test Range in Oklahoma City

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation officially broke ground on a new advanced air mobility (AAM) research range at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. Named the Vertical Takeoff and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range (V-PAR), the site is set to become a dedicated hub for testing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, including electric and hybrid models. This venture underscores federal commitment to integrating innovative aviation technologies into the national airspace.

Valued at approximately $8.3 million, the V-PAR will feature numerous specialized facilities tailored to support a variety of AAM research and training operations. Planned infrastructure includes a touchdown and liftoff area optimized for VTOL activities, an associated taxiway, a verticraft apron, a covered shelter, and an observation and operations building. Additionally, the range will incorporate electric aircraft charging stations along with support systems designed to facilitate comprehensive operational evaluations.

FAA officials have articulated that the primary purpose of the V-PAR is to enable in-depth studies into key parameters affecting VTOL aircraft operations. These include procedures for vertiport arrivals and departures, wake turbulence characterization, rotor downwash and outwash effects, and assessments of radiofrequency interference. Furthermore, the facility will support emergency preparedness drills and inform airspace integration strategies critical to the safe adoption of AAM technologies.

This facility’s development follows the FAA’s earlier initiatives such as the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which commenced this year. The eIPP engages projects spanning 26 states that explore advanced air mobility concepts and infrastructure, gathering vital operational data. The addition of the V-PAR is poised to enhance FAA’s capacity to rigorously analyze AAM operational environments and devise practical procedures.

The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City is a well-known aviation research and training site. By situating the V-PAR here, the FAA leverages existing expertise and resources, accelerating progress toward AAM integration goals. This geographic and institutional synergy supports efficient collaboration among researchers, regulators, and industry developers focusing on vertical takeoff aircraft.

FAA Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury emphasized that the V-PAR represents a pivotal advancement in the country’s aviation infrastructure. He noted its role in broadening understanding of safe AAM incorporation into the National Airspace System. The facility will not only foster research but also provide training environments to prepare personnel for emerging challenges associated with new aircraft types.

Construction of the V-PAR is planned for completion by summer 2027, after which the FAA expects it to become a cornerstone for AAM testing and evaluation. The establishment of this range is set to empower regulators and manufacturers in addressing operational, safety, and technical considerations unique to electric and hybrid VTOL aircraft. Its capabilities will be critical in developing standardized protocols applicable across various platforms and regions.

The evolution of advanced air mobility is considered essential to expanding urban and regional transportation options through innovative aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. The FAA’s investment in V-PAR aligns with a broader federal strategy to foster aviation innovation, ensuring that new categories of aircraft can operate safely and effectively alongside conventional air traffic.

As the aviation landscape advances toward increased use of electric and hybrid vertical lift aircraft, the V-PAR facility is expected to play a central role in validating technologies and operational frameworks. This effort supports the overarching goal of integrating advanced air mobility into everyday airspace use, ultimately transforming how people and goods move in and around urban centers.