UAS Center at SBD

What UAS Center at SBD does

UAS Center at SBD is a public-sector UAS and UGV testing, training, and commercialization hub operated as an enterprise fund under the Inland Valley Development Agency at San Bernardino International Airport. Established in July 2020, it manages the Norton Test Range, an FAA-designated 1,600+ acre controlled-airspace facility with BVLOS capability and 15 square miles of research airspace, operating under the auspices of the University of Alaska UAS Test Site. In January 2026 it added a NIST-Aligned Unmanned Systems Testing and Evaluation Facility under a formal MOU with NIST's Engineering Laboratory, extending its scope from FAA test-range operations to national standards validation for aerial UAS, uncrewed ground vehicles, aquatic ROVs, and operator proficiency.

The center monetizes five professional-services streams: drone pilot training (FAA Part 107 prep, SAR, Federal Agency Emergency Response, Train the Trainer) using NIST-standardized proficiency evaluations; facility and airspace rentals at the Flight Operations Site, headquarters meeting spaces, and a remote training site in Washington's Methow Valley; drone policy and compliance consulting, including the development of what is described as the first comprehensive county-wide drone policy in the US; live product demonstrations in controlled airspace; and applied R&D support for UAS technology developers. GTM is direct and relationship-driven, with pipeline generated through government agency networks, industry events, partnerships with academic institutions (ERAU, Caltech), and industry associations (AUVSI, Vertical Flight Society). Customers are predominantly public-sector — San Bernardino County Fire, Sheriff's, schools, the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, and 42 county departments overall — supplemented by drone manufacturers and international partners such as Transport Malta and KIAST Korea.

The business is structured as a government entity rather than a venture-backed company: it has no disclosed funding rounds, no parent-company ownership beyond the Inland Valley Development Agency, and a headcount of 1-10 employees, with much of the training and demonstration work delivered through partner organizations (Influential Drones, Pilot Institute, ERAU). Its defensibility rests on regulatory designations (FAA test range, NIST alignment), physical infrastructure at a growing cargo airport, and first-mover authority in county-level UAS policy, rather than on proprietary software or AI technology.

Name

UAS Center at SBD

Legal name

UAS Center at SBD

Website

https://uascentersbd.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The UAS Center at SBD is a publicly funded UAS and UGV testing, training, and policy hub operating the FAA-designated Norton Test Range and a NIST-aligned evaluation facility at San Bernardino International Airport, serving public safety agencies, drone developers, and government clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

UAS Testing & Training Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Flight Training (611512), Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL), UAS Launch/Recovery & Support Equipment (Catapults, Nets, Docking) (IMABAIAN), VTOL & Hybrid UAV Platforms (IMABAIAC)

Keywords

• UAS test range
• Drone pilot training
• BVLOS testing
• FAA test site
• Drone compliance consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

San Bernardino

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Training Services: The center provides comprehensive drone pilot training programs including FAA Part 107 preparation, advanced flight training, specialized Search & Rescue training, and Train the Trainer programs. Training is offered to public agencies, private companies, and educational institutions with NIST-standardized proficiency evaluations.
2. Facility Access and Rentals: The center rents out its flight operations site, outdoor testing areas, indoor operations center, storage facilities, and meeting spaces to companies, agencies, and organizations for product testing, demonstrations, training programs, and research and development activities.
3. Policy and Consulting Services: The center provides drone compliance and policy consulting, including drafting customized drone policies, directives, and standard operating procedures for public and private sector entities. Also includes regulatory guidance and program development support.
4. Product Demonstration Services: The center enables drone companies to conduct live product demonstrations in controlled airspace with professional flight support, showcasing technical performance and operational reliability to prospective customers and investors.
5. Research and Development Support: Provides a secure real-world environment for conducting applied research that advances UAS technologies from concept to operational use, supporting companies and research institutions in technology development and validation.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The UAS Center at SBD operates the Norton Test Range at San Bernardino International Airport, providing FAA-designated UAS testing, pilot training and workforce development, regulatory compliance and policy advisory services, research and development support, and product demonstration capabilities to drone developers, public safety agencies, and infrastructure operators. It is one of only seven FAA-designated UAS Test Sites in the United States and operates within controlled airspace that supports beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

Product overview

The UAS Center at SBD is a testing, training, and commercialization hub for autonomous UAS and UGV systems operating at San Bernardino International Airport. Its core product is the Norton Test Range, a 1,600+ acre FAA-approved testing environment supporting BVLOS operations. The Center offers a portfolio of services including drone pilot training programs (from beginner to advanced, including Search & Rescue and Train the Trainer), compliance and policy development (having written the first county-wide drone policy in the US), research and development support, and product demonstration services. Additional offerings include the FlySafe community safety program with integrated LAANC authorization via AirHub Portal, and newly launched NIST-aligned testing and evaluation facilities. The Center also operates remote training sites in Washington State for austere environment operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Norton Test Range: A complex, real-world test environment at San Bernardino International Airport supporting next-generation drone technologies for public safety, energy, logistics, infrastructure, and advanced air mobility. Operates under the auspices of the University of Alaska UAS Test Site.
• FlySafe Program

Products and services

• Norton Test Range FAA-designated UAS Test Range at San Bernardino International Airport providing controlled airspace access for BVLOS and beyond-range flight testing for UAS developers, public safety agencies, and infrastructure operators.
• Training & Workforce Development Structured pilot training, certification preparation, BVLOS instruction, and scenario-based flight exercises for public safety, commercial, and government UAS operators.
• Compliance & Policy Services Regulatory compliance and policy advisory services for organizations deploying or scaling UAS programs, leveraging the center's FAA Test Site expertise.
• Research & Development Support R&D support including flight trials, technical evaluation, and applied research collaboration for UAS developers and academic institutions.
• Product Demonstration Live product demonstration services at the Norton Test Range enabling UAS manufacturers and developers to showcase platforms to prospective buyers and stakeholders.
• FlySafe Program Stakeholder coordination and training program supporting safe UAS operations across public, commercial, and government users.
• FlySafe AirHub Portal Digital portal supporting the FlySafe Program for stakeholder coordination, airspace management, and program integration.
• Remote Training Site (Washington State) Remote training site in Okanogan County, Washington, expanding the center's geographic reach and supporting additional pilot training capacity.
• Meeting Space Rental Meeting and event space rental at the Norton Test Range facility for UAS-related briefings, stakeholder meetings, and program events.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ pilots trained
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and major.

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - Engineering Laboratory, Intelligent Systems DivisionflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026Formal MOU for establishment of NIST-aligned unmanned systems testing and evaluation facility. The center implements and validates standardized test methods to objectively evaluate performance of aerial UAS, uncrewed ground vehicles, aquatic ROVs, and remote operator proficiency. Dave Krause serves as Test Manager for NIST-aligned activities. Enables consistent benchmarking across testing locations and contributes to national/international standards development.
• Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2025Multi-site Virginia initiative led by CCALS establishing an Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure with $490,000 grant from Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. Multi-site operations at Richard Bland College and three general aviation airports. The center advances hydrogen-hybrid UAS flight testing, BVLOS operations, workforce training, and Advanced Air Mobility. UAS Center at SBD provides expertise in testing, training, validation, and operational development.
• County of San BernardinoflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 May 2023UAS Center at SBD developed comprehensive county-wide drone policy for San Bernardino County, formally adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Believed to be the first comprehensive drone policy adopted by a county in the US. Policy prevents unauthorized drone flights and includes directives and SOPs customized for each County department.
• Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology (KIAST)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2023MOU signed to provide reciprocal access to physical locations in both countries for drone testing, demonstrations, and training. Enables US drone companies through the UAS Center at SBD to more quickly enter the Korean market. KIAST has eleven UAS test sites established throughout Korea. The center serves as a platform for Korean drone companies looking to set up operations in the US. Both parties plan to cooperate on R&D projects related to drone safety.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 December 2022Launch of Autonomous Systems Research Associate Program providing experiential learning opportunities that integrate knowledge and theory from the university classroom with practical application and skills development. Embry-Riddle launched the first accredited UAS program in the country. Program positions students for leadership in autonomous technology, complementing ERAU's partnerships with FAA, NASA, Amazon, Boeing, and FedEx.
• Transport Malta (Civil Aviation Directorate)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 March 2022Strategic initiative formalized by MOU to expand the use of Malta's infrastructure by US drone manufacturers and software providers to support R&D and global commercialization objectives. The UAS Center at SBD serves as a testing and demonstration site for drone companies based in and around Malta, enabling companies to scale in the European market. Partnership facilitated by the US Department of Commerce's US Commercial Service and US Embassy in Malta.
• Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides $490,000 grant through the Energy Ingenuity Fund to establish Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure, linking energy innovation, unmanned systems, and workforce development in Virginia.
• Virginia Department of AviationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on the Energy-Centric UAS Center initiative supporting innovative, sustainable aviation technologies tested across Virginia's diverse airport network.
• Virginia Department of EnergymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVirginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank supports CCALS in launching the Energy-Centric UAS Center to enhance efficiency and safety of energy workforce and resources.
• George Mason University (Rapid Prototyping Research Center)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the multi-institutional team supporting the Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure initiative.
• Richard Bland CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-site operations partner in the Energy-Centric UAS Center initiative.
• Influential DronescoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner company and industry member of the FAA Safety Team. Collaboration partner supporting NIST-recognized response-robot standardized test methods. Dave Krause serves as instructor, Chief Pilot, and co-owner. Leads BVLOS operations and Part 137 agricultural missions.
• San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost location for UAS Center at SBD and Norton Test Range. Provides direct runway and airspace access, airport operations coordination, and FAA-approved airspace for flight operations. Fastest growing airport in the US for air cargo.
• Inland Valley Development AgencyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished in July 2020 as an enterprise fund under the Inland Valley Development Agency. Agency oversight and support for the UAS Center at SBD operations.
• CaltechmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted partner collaborating on unmanned systems research and development initiatives.
• Vertical Flight SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted partner supporting advanced air mobility and UAS industry advancement.
• AUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted partner in the unmanned systems industry community.
• Pilot InstitutemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner in drone pilot training and education programs.
• San Bernardino County Fire DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted partner receiving drone training and operational support for fire emergency response operations.
• San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water DistrictmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on drone-enabled conservation research presented at Santa Ana River Science Symposium, exploring watershed monitoring and ecological research.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research): Operates the New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport, an FAA-designated UAS Test Range offering controlled airspace, BVLOS testing, and crew training for public safety and commercial drone operators. Directly comparable to SBD's role as a non-academic FAA-designated range serving public safety, commercial, and government clients.
• Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation (LSUASC) - Texas A&M: An FAA-designated UAS Test Site led by Texas A&M University System providing test ranges, applied research, and workforce training across public safety, defense, and commercial drone use cases. Direct peer in FAA-test-site mission and public-sector-aligned service portfolio.
• Sinclair College National UAS Training and Certification Center: A leading community-college-based drone pilot training and certification program offering FAA Part 107 prep, public safety UAS training, and workforce development across Ohio and beyond. Comparable to the SBD center's training and workforce development mission (FAA Part 107, SAR, Train-the-Trainer).
• University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Site: The UAS Center at SBD's Norton Test Range operates under the auspices of the University of Alaska UAS Test Site, one of the original FAA-designated UAS Test Ranges. Both offer FAA-credentialed controlled airspace, BVLOS authorization support, and cold-weather/extreme-environment testing for public safety and commercial UAS programs.
• Nevada UAS Test Site (Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems): An FAA-designated UAS Test Site providing controlled airspace, advanced testing, and industry partnerships for UAS commercialization. Comparable in mission of commercializing drone technology via FAA-designated range access and strong industry/government partner networks.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - UAS Program: Operates the first accredited UAS program in the US and is a direct collaboration partner of the UAS Center at SBD via the Autonomous Systems Research Associate Program. Overlapping in UAS education, applied research, and workforce development targeting the same FAA Part 107 and BVLOS talent market.
• Northern Plains UAS Test Site (University of North Dakota): An FAA-designated UAS Test Site hosted at a university, providing large-scale BVLOS airspace, training, and research for military and commercial drone programs. Comparable in operating an FAA test site and offering workforce development/training pathways.
• Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP): An FAA-designated UAS Test Site and university-operated partnership that conducts UAS integration research, BVLOS testing, and pilot training. Comparable in being an FAA-credentialed test site with strong public-sector and research partnerships and overlap in BVLOS and advanced air mobility testing.

Emerging players

• Choctaw Nation Unmanned Aircraft Systems Initiative: An emerging FAA-affiliated UAS test range in Oklahoma operated by the Choctaw Nation, providing airspace and testing infrastructure for public safety and commercial drone development. Comparable as a non-traditional (non-academic) FAA-test-range-style operator pursuing commercial drone validation, but smaller and earlier-stage than SBD.

Others

• AirHub Portal (Airspace Link): Drone airspace management and LAANC authorization platform integrated with the UAS Center at SBD through the FlySafe Program. Comparable as enabling infrastructure for compliant drone operations, with adjacent rather than directly competitive overlap in airspace authorization workflows.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/UASCenterSBD
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@uascentersbd
• Facebookfacebook.com/uascentersbd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/uascentersbd
• Instagraminstagram.com/uascentersbd

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about UAS Center at SBD