Norton Test Range
Operating under the auspices of the University of Alaska UAS Test Site
World-Class Infrastructure
Norton Test Range
The Norton Test Range offers an unparalleled environment for advanced testing and validation. Strategically designed to replicate real-world operating conditions, the Range includes diverse terrains allowing for comprehensive assessment of navigation, sensing, and payload performance under variable conditions. The Norton Test Range enables rapid iteration, rigorous testing, and data-driven validation, reducing development risk and accelerating time-to-market. For drone manufacturers, and sensor and technology developers, this multi-environment capability provides a unique opportunity to test systems in conditions that closely mirror operational realities, ensuring reliability, performance, and regulatory compliance.
Environmental Complexity
Developed Infrastructure
Airborne and Ground-Based Activities
Located in an Urban Center
Located at International Airport
Norton Test Range
Flight Testing & Validation
- Day and night operations
- Visual/Beyond Visual Line of Sight (VLOS and BVLOS) and advanced operations
- CONOPS development
- Detect-and-avoid and command-and-control testing
Diverse Testing Environment
- Urban landscapes
- Mountainous regions
- Desert environments
- Open water areas
- Infrastructure adjacent flight profiles
FAA & Regulatory Alignment
Compliant. Confident. Controlled.
Utilizing the Norton Test Range at the UAS Center at SBD provides manufacturers, integrators and developers with a clear pathway to FAA and regulatory alignment. By leveraging the Norton Test Range, companies can collect data for their certification process.
The Norton Test Range operates in coordination with:
- FAA-designated test range frameworks
- Airport authority leadership and air traffic coordination
- Approved safety management systems and CONOPS
This enables participants to generate credible data that supports:
- FAA waivers and authorizations
- Operational approvals
- Standards development
- Customer and insurer confidence
Industries We Serve
Who Uses the Norton Test Range
The Norton Test Range supports a diverse ecosystem of organizations advancing airborne and ground-based technology, safety, and integration.
Industry & Technology Developers
- Original and After Market Manufacturers
- Payload and sensor manufacturers
- Autonomy/AI/software developers
- Counter-UAS and security firms
Public Agencies
- Fire and emergency services
- Law enforcement
- Transportation authorities
- Environmental and land-management agencies
Energy & Infrastructure
- Utilities and grid operators
- Oil/gas/renewable energy developers
- Pipeline/rail/roadway operators
Research & Workforce Development
- Universities and research institutions
- Training providers
- Workforce and economic development organizations
Ready to Use the Norton Test Range?
Contact us to learn more about utilizing the FAA-approved Norton Test Range for your testing and research needs.