Next Gen UAS Frontier

Next Gen UAS Frontier

The Next Gen UAS Frontier at The University of Texas at El Paso Aerospace Center represents the university’s focused efforts in unmanned and counter-unmanned aircraft systems research, training and testing.

Aligned with the Aerospace Center’s New Frontier Ecosystem, this initiative integrates research excellence, real-world operations and hands-on training to advance safe, intelligent and mission-ready unmanned air operations. Training opportunities will be available to students and to those looking to upskill and expand their capabilities, including service members, veterans and industry professionals.

Why UTEP?

UTEP offers a uniquely operational environment for unmanned systems research, where academic innovation meets real-world airspace, infrastructure and mission needs.

Located along the U.S.-Mexico border with access to expansive, uncongested airspace, the UTEP Aerospace Center combines FAA-authorized flight operations, secure test ranges and applied research facilities rarely available at a public university.

This advantage, combined with strong workforce development and trusted federal and industry partnerships, enables rapid experimentation, realistic testing environments and training at scale.

What We Do

The Next Gen UAS Frontier brings together multidisciplinary expertise to address the full lifecycle of unmanned aircraft systems, from design and autonomy to deployment and airspace integration.

Key focus areas include:

•  Autonomous Flight and Decision Systems: Research in autonomy, mission-aware control and human-machine teaming for complex environments.
•  UAS and Counter-UAS Technologies: Detection, tracking, mitigation and resilient operations in contested and sensitive airspace.
•  BVLOS Operations and Airspace Integration: FAA-authorized beyond visual line of sight operations supporting advanced testing and real-world mission scenarios across West Texas.
•  Sensing, Data and Intelligence: Radar, remote sensing, data fusion and analytics supporting border security, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring and research applications.

Facilities and Test Ranges

The Next Gen UAS Frontier leverages a growing portfolio of specialized facilities and remote test sites, including:

•  AMAC (Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center) building: Secure, ITAR-compliant laboratories supporting research, UAS assembly, indoor flight operations, mission control and systems integration.
•  Fabens Research Airport: Supports UAS research, classroom training, propulsion testing and long-duration operations, along with logistics for testing activities.
•  Tornillo UAS Flight Test Range: A 600-acre site with runways, radar and power infrastructure supporting advanced UAS and counter-UAS testing. It serves as the primary location for repeatable operational test and evaluation and training validation.
•  El Paso International Airport: Supports BVLOS readiness, operational integration and collaboration with industry and airspace stakeholders as authorized.

These assets enable controlled experimentation, rapid iteration and operational realism rarely available in academic environments.

Workforce Development and Student Impact

Preparing the next generation of engineers, operators and researchers is central to the Next Gen UAS Frontier.

Students work alongside faculty and partners in hands-on roles as research assistants, engineers and technicians, often beginning at the undergraduate level. Through research-design-build-test cycles, mission planning and live flight operations, students gain practical experience aligned with workforce needs in aerospace, defense and advanced air mobility.

Partnerships and National Impact

The Next Gen UAS Frontier supports collaboration with federal agencies, industry and regional partners seeking solutions for unmanned and counter-unmanned systems.

Recent federal investments have expanded UTEP’s drone testing, radar and operational infrastructure, strengthening the Aerospace Center’s role in applied UAS research and national security innovation.

By integrating research, operations and workforce development, the Frontier contributes to economic growth in the Paso del Norte region while addressing critical challenges in security, resilience and autonomous flight.

A New Frontier in Unmanned Systems
The Next Gen UAS Frontier reflects UTEP’s mission to advance aerospace innovation through hands-on research, strategic partnerships and workforce development.

The initiative also emphasizes autonomous UAS capabilities, including mission-aware control, distributed coordination and real-time decision-making under uncertainty. This work integrates autonomy with operational constraints such as airspace structure, communication limits and safety requirements, enabling scalable deployment across test ranges and real-world missions.