Operations
PROVING GROUNDS
The Texas A&M – RELLIS Proving Grounds is a purpose-built environment where ideas are tested at full scale and at real-world speed. Designed to bridge the gap between concept and deployment, it brings together applied research, industry collaboration, and operational realism in a controlled yet dynamic setting. Here, emerging technologies and systems are evaluated under authentic conditions, enabling data-driven decisions, rapid iteration, and confident implementation.
More than a testing site, the Proving Grounds serves as a catalyst for innovation across public and private sectors. It creates a neutral, mission-focused space where government, industry, and academia can validate performance, reduce risk, and accelerate adoption of next-generation solutions. By enabling rigorous evaluation in complex operational scenarios, the Proving Grounds transforms promising ideas into proven capabilities that strengthen infrastructure, enhance resilience, and support the evolving needs of communities and national priorities.
- Five full‑scale runways supporting manned, unmanned, wheeled, and tracked platforms
- FAA‑approved BVLOS UAS operations and access to a 15,000+ acre controlled access land
- Private research testbed with multiple private cores and Smart Intersection
- Spectrum and electromagnetic testing, including real‑time interference detection
- Subterranean tunnel network for UAS/UGV autonomy and GPS‑denied testing
- Live‑fire indoor shoot house, multi‑range firearms complex, and 300‑yard precision rifle range
- Explosive breaching and demolition range with on‑site ordnance storage
- Mobility Challenge Course with engineered obstacles and robotics testing environments
- Off‑Road Test Area with reconfigurable urban container village
- Extensive instrumentation ecosystem including PTZ/thermal cameras, radar, GPS‑RTK, weather/visibility sensors, and on‑platform micro‑sensor suites
- Integration bays and maker facilities supporting prototyping, system integration, and testing
- Countless additional testing, training, research, and integration opportunities across one of the nation’s most versatile proving environments.
Unmanned Aircraft Operations
UAS operations are a cornerstone of research, testing, and innovation at Texas A&M RELLIS. Leveraging expansive controlled airspace, advanced infrastructure, and highly adaptable test environments, RELLIS supports the full lifecycle of UAS development—from early‑stage experimentation to operational training, certification, and large-scale deployment.
RELLIS offers an ecosystem designed to enable everything from foundational flight operations to complex autonomous missions and counter-UAS evaluations. The campus supports a wide spectrum of users, including agencies, industry partners, research institutions, and academic programs, all of whom benefit from the ability to test, refine, and validate emerging technologies in real-world conditions.
UAS Operational Capabilities
- FAA Part 107 UAS operations
- Multiple FAA Part 91 Certificates of Authorization allowing altitude, weight, speed, and multiple aircraft permissions
- Fully authorized Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations
- Customizable waivers/authorizations based on specific testing requirements
BVLOS Corridor & Advanced R&D Environment
The dedicated BVLOS Corridor—spanning more than 12 miles—provides a secure, instrumented environment for advanced research and development. This corridor supports a wide range of mission profiles, including long-range communications testing, advanced navigation, autonomous flight algorithms, sense‑and‑avoid technologies, aerial logistics, infrastructure inspection, emergency response concepts of operation, and other emerging use cases. Its purpose-built infrastructure enables organizations to explore high‑complexity scenarios with the flexibility to scale experimentation as needed.
Training, Certification & Operational Support
RELLIS serves as a training and certification hub for UAS pilots, operators, and research teams. Through coordinated programs, the campus helps organizations meet FAA regulatory standards, maintain compliance, and ensure safe, effective flight operations. An integrated aviation radio network and structured airfield procedures ensure coordinated, deconflicted UAS activity across the campus, enabling safe coexistence with other test operations.
A Platform for Innovation
With its blend of airspace, range infrastructure, instrumentation, and collaborative opportunities, RELLIS empowers partners to push the boundaries of UAS technology, test next-generation systems, and explore high-value applications—while retaining the flexibility to adapt to new missions and emerging requirements.
To request the use of drones at the RELLIS Campus, please visit the hyperlinked website below:
Unmanned Aircraft System Operations (UAS) – Office of Risk Management (tamus.edu)
CONTACT
