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Kentland experimental aerial systems (KEAS) laboratory

The Kentland Experimental Aerial Systems (KEAS) Laboratory is located at Virginia Tech’s Kentland Farm agricultural research facility, which includes about 1800 acres of university-owned farmland in a sparsely populated area southwest of the main campus.  The 300 ft by 70 ft asphalt airstrip located at the center of the Kentland Farm is routinely used to support small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight operations. The airfield includes a state-of-the-art weather station to log meteorological data. A wireless network covering the area provides direct internet access.  The adjacent UAV hangar provides nearly 2000 sq ft of workspace to support research, education, and outreach. 

The KEAS Lab was developed with support from the:  

  • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

  • Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science

  • College of Engineering

  • Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering

  • Department of Mechanical Engineering

  • Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science

  • Office of the Vice President for Research

  • Virginia Center for Autonomous Systems

The KEAS Lab's primary purpose is to enable research collaborations involving UAVs among university faculty. However, the facility is available to others in the university community who have a research, educational, or outreach related need. If you wish to have access to the site, please read the guidelines specified in the Kentland Airfield Rules and contact Craig Woolsey to obtain access to the KEAS Lab Google site.

Photo of KEAS Lab Runway
A 300’ by 70’ asphalt runway is located at the center of the nearly 2000 acre Kentland Farm.
Photo of KEAS Lab Weather Station
A state-of-the-art weather station records and transmits meteorological data via wireless network.
Photo of KEAS Lab Exterior
A facility constructed adjacent to the airstrip provides climate-controlled space for research and instruction.
Photo of KEAS Lab Interior
A facility constructed adjacent to the airstrip provides climate-controlled space for research and instruction.