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News from around the Northwest about uncrewed systems and robotics
from the Cascade Chapter of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.
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| | LOCAL AND NATIONAL NEWS AND EVENTS | |
| AUVSI Cascade Networking Event | Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | Hosted by Hood Tech Aero & AUVSI Cascade
Join us for an evening of networking with professionals shaping the future of autonomous systems. Connect with industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, government partners, and fellow AUVSI members while enjoying light appetizers, refreshments, and a behind-the-scenes look at Hood Tech Aero. Expand your network, exchange ideas, and discover the latest innovations in UAS.
$20 Members | $25 Non-Members.
Space is limited—register today! | | | |
Fall AUVSI Cascade Symposium
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Location: Hood River Hotel | Hood River, Oregon
Join AUVSI Cascade for our 2026 Fall Symposium on Wednesday, October 7, at the historic Hood River Hotel. Connect with industry leaders, hear the latest developments in uncrewed systems and autonomous technologies, and network with professionals from across the Pacific Northwest. Additional agenda details and registration information will be announced soon.
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Holiday Networking Party
Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Time: 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Oswego Lake Country Club | Lake Oswego, Oregon
Celebrate another year of innovation and collaboration with AUVSI Cascade at our annual Holiday Networking Party. Join fellow members, partners, and industry professionals for an evening of networking, refreshments, and holiday cheer at the beautiful Oswego Lake Country Club.
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Oregon to Host South Korean Aviation Delegation
July 26–30, Oregon will welcome a high-level aviation delegation from South Korea to explore investment, research, and commercial partnership opportunities across aviation, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), and advanced air mobility (AAM). Throughout the five-day visit, government leaders, industry partners, researchers, and aviation organizations will showcase Oregon's world-class testing facilities, manufacturing capabilities, and innovation ecosystem while fostering future collaboration.
The visit reinforces Oregon's position as a leading hub for aerospace innovation and highlights the state's commitment to advancing international partnerships that support economic growth, emerging technologies, and the future of autonomous aviation.
Click below to learn more about the Oregon–South Korea Aviation Delegation and explore the full itinerary.
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Oregon Releases UAS Policy Manual Template for Public Agencies
The Oregon Department of Aviation has released a new UAS Operations and Policy Manual template to help state agencies, cities, counties, special districts, and other public bodies build safe, consistent, and accountable drone programs. The customizable resource covers key areas including pilot qualifications, mission planning, risk assessment, airspace review, maintenance, privacy, data management, emergency procedures, and public communication.
Designed for agencies using drones in public works, emergency management, infrastructure inspection, mapping, environmental monitoring, and other government functions, the template provides a strong starting point while allowing organizations to tailor policies to their specific needs and operations.
Learn more and access the UAS Operations and Policy Manual template through the Oregon Department of Aviation.
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FAA Advances Advanced Air Mobility Research with New Test Facility
The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration have broken ground on the Vertical Take-Off and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range (V-PAR) at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. The approximately $8.3 million facility will provide a dedicated environment for research, training, and operational analysis of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft, including electric and hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs.
Once completed, V-PAR will feature a vertiport, covered hangar, and control center to support testing of critical operational factors such as wake separation, downwash and outwash, radiofrequency interference, and vertiport operations. The facility represents an important step toward safely integrating AAM aircraft into the National Airspace System while supporting the infrastructure and workforce needed for future commercial operations.
Learn more about the V-PAR facility and the FAA's efforts to advance Advanced Air Mobility by visiting the FAA press release.
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FAA Extends Public Comment Period for Section 2209 Proposal
The FAA has extended the public comment period for the proposed Section 2209 rule through August 5, 2026. The agency is seeking additional feedback, particularly from commercial UAS operators, on the potential costs of complying with proposed UAS Flight Restrictions (UAFRs). This extension gives industry stakeholders more time to help shape the future of drone operations and airspace policy.
Use the additional 30 days to connect members with advocacy-level resources and coordinate comment submissions through AUVSI’s policy team.
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Federal Policy Update
The Senate Commerce Committee recently considered two AUVSI-supported bills aimed at strengthening U.S. aviation innovation and national security. The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act would improve predictability in the FAA's aircraft certification process, while the Connected Vehicle Security Act would restrict connected vehicle technologies linked to foreign adversaries. AUVSI continues to advocate for policies that support innovation, competitiveness, and secure supply chains.
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Anduril and Archer Unveil Dual-Use Autonomous VTOL Platform
At the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, Anduril Industries and Archer Aviation unveiled Thunder, a next-generation autonomous hybrid-electric tiltrotor aircraft designed to support both defense and commercial missions. The Group 5 VTOL platform combines vertical takeoff and landing with efficient wing-borne flight, enabling long-range operations, heavy payloads, and autonomous capabilities for applications ranging from military reconnaissance and logistics to future commercial use.
The announcement reflects the growing convergence of commercial eVTOL innovation and defense technology, demonstrating how advances in autonomy, hybrid propulsion, and modular aircraft design are accelerating the future of advanced air mobility. Archer also announced that a commercial variant, Halo, will expand the platform's capabilities beyond defense applications.
Click below to learn more about Thunder and Halo and what this collaboration means for the future of autonomous aviation.
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ERDC Civil Works Strategic Focus Areas CSO
Deadline: December 31, 2026
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center is seeking innovative technologies in AI, robotics, infrastructure, water systems, and ecosystem management. Awards range from $500,000 to $5 million, with opportunities relevant to robotic inspection, autonomous systems, and multi-domain interoperability.
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Army DevX Autonomy Open Call
Deadline: August 31, 2026
The Army Applications Lab is accepting proposals for autonomous air, ground, and maritime technologies. Awards range from $500,000 to $2 million, with applications reviewed monthly.
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DoD SBIR/STTR FY2026 Release 2
Deadline: July 22 (additional deadlines through October 21, 2026)
The Department of Defense continues to accept proposals across Army, Navy, Air Force, and SOCOM for autonomous systems, AI mission software, and uncrewed platform technologies.
| | ANNUAL CASCADE CHAPTER SPONSORS | Thank you to our annual sponsors for supporting the AUVSI Cascade Chapter and our mission to advance advocacy, build community, and drive education across the Pacific Northwest. | Contact Lori Brown for sponsorship opportunities | | RESOURCES AND INFORMATION | | |
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Join AUVSI at the national level, and then affiliate with the Cascade Chapter
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Log into your profile
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Click on 'Edit Profile'
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Click 'Chapter' on the left navigation and select your chapter from the dropdown list
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Click 'Save' and you’ll see your chapter displayed on the right side of your profile
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Trusted UMS Operators
Setting the Standard for Safe, Skilled, and Accountable Uncrewed Maritime System Operations. As uncrewed maritime systems (UMS) rapidly expand across industries from offshore energy and infrastructure inspection to national security and environmental monitoring, ensuring safe, professional operations has never been more critical.
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Trusted UAS Operators
As uncrewed systems become more integrated into commercial, public safety, and government operations, professional certification is essential to ensure safety, consistency, and public trust. AUVSI’s Trusted Operator program was developed in collaboration with industry leaders to align remote pilot training with recognized standards and to support global acceptance of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
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SAVE WITH AUVSI AFFINITY PROGRAMS
Take advantage of AUVSI member affinity programs, which offer you various services and products at special member rates. Whether you are looking for drone insurance, help earning the FAA-required pilot's certificate, savings on shipping, or more, AUVSI has something for you. Participating in these programs can help you get a strong return on your membership investment.
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CHECK OUT AUVSI'S AVILLE COMMUNITY!
Embark on a learning journey this month with AUVSI’s exclusive webinars on Aville! Our virtual stage is set for a month of thrilling insights and discoveries. These webinars are tailor-made to ignite your curiosity and elevate your understanding of cutting-edge advancements. Explore the options and join the ones that resonate with you the most!
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