SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – January 27, 2026 –AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader delivering software-enabled disruptive autonomous systems, and CAL Analytics, an innovator in advanced airspace management technologies, today announced the completed installation and initial operation of a new Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) airspace management facility at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Springfield, Ohio. 

Initially developed under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the project now features an upgraded installation that integrates AV_Halo™ COMMAND, AV’s command and control (C2) architecture, with CAL Analytics’ Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) enterprise platform to establish the nation’s premiere test environment and management facility, where Department of War operators can safely conduct BVLOS missions in shared airspace utilizing existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ground radar feeds. 

“This installation establishes the blueprint for how airports and states across the country can safely integrate uncrewed aircraft into existing airspace,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “As the FAA defines the future of BVLOS rule-making, this facility provides the real-world operational data, safety validation, and interoperability framework regulators need. The system we’ve installed in Ohio isn’t just a mock-up or a test site — pending FAA approval it will be an operational and scalable model for nationwide deployment and the foundation for truly integrated air mobility.” 

The integration will support flight tests, evaluation, and day-to-day operations by routing AFRL’s access to the FAA’s ground-radar network through AV_Halo™ COMMAND — AV’s modular, software-driven C2 architecture that fuses multiple enhanced sensor feeds, into a single, secure operating picture, giving operators continuous situational awareness for BVLOS mission planning and airspace safety. 

“AV_Halo is the connective tissue that turns a collection of sensors, radars, and platforms into a living, breathing airspace system,” said Stephen Lloyd, Senior Director C2, CUAS, and Tracking at AV. “By fusing FAA ground radar, and COTS surveillance sensors into a single, secure operating picture, AV_Halo delivers the assured visibility and machine-speed decision support needed for predictable BVLOS operations—and makes it possible to scale effortlessly from a single site to an entire statewide corridor.” 

When combined with CAL Analytics’ AAM enterprise platform, the system unifies radar and advanced DAA into a single real-time airspace view—enabling detect-and-avoid, extending autonomous BVLOS operations with precision and confidence.  

“Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations are the key to unlocking the next generation of air mobility,” said Dr. Sean Calhoun, Managing Director of CAL Analytics. “This facility will prove that BVLOS can be executed safely and reliably in shared airspace—and that matters because it sets the foundation for statewide corridors, national standards, and an entirely new layer of transportation infrastructure that will reshape how we move people, goods, data, and critical services across the country.” 

Pending full FAA approval, the facility will support local missions and real-time monitoring of UAS activity as AFRL, ODOT, the FAA, AV, and CAL Analytics collaborate to validate airspace-safety technologies, advance air-mobility corridors, drive economic development, and shape national BVLOS rules and integration standards. 

Plans are already underway to extend the system to enable corridors between Springfield and Columbus, Ohio, adding new radar sites and expanding detect-and-avoid coverage to support broader BVLOS operations across Ohio and additional sites nationwide. 

New 1,000-acre manufacturing campus will invest more than $220 million, create 300+ high-paying jobs, and generate over $650 million in economic impact for New Mexico

RIO RANCHO, N.M., Jan. 21, 2026 — Castelion today announced the launch of Project Ranger, a 1,000-acre hypersonic manufacturing campus in Sandoval County, designed to support high-cadence production of hypersonic strike systems. The project will create approximately 300 high-paying manufacturing jobs and represent more than $220 million in private investment, with an estimated $650 million in economic impact for New Mexico over the next decade.

The Project Ranger groundbreaking, attended by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, U.S. Army Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires Lt. General Frank Lozano, Director of NAVAIR’s Rapid Capabilities Cell Paul McGinty, and other regional and county leaders, marks a major step in scaling domestic hypersonic manufacturing capacity.

“This is economic development in New Mexico—high-tech companies bringing high-paying jobs,” said Governor Michell Lujan Grisham. “Castelion chose our site because we have the workforce, the expertise and infrastructure they need to succeed.”

Project Ranger will support solid rocket motor manufacturing, static testing, and final assembly of hypersonic weapons, reinforcing New Mexico’s position at the forefront of defense innovation. The first building will be completed this summer, with all twenty-one buildings on the campus complete and ready for production by the end of 2026.

“We chose New Mexico for its unparalleled technical talent and history of scientific achievement,” said Bryon Hargis, CEO and Co-Founder of Castelion. “Project Ranger represents a renaissance in American manufacturing, delivering the advanced systems our country needs. We’re proud to partner with a community that has powered some of our nation’s greatest leaps forward. We have a bright future together.”

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich highlighted the project’s significance for both economic growth and national security.

“I’m pleased to welcome the groundbreaking of Castelion’s new manufacturing facility in Sandoval County that will strengthen our national security, grow our state’s economy, and create over 300 permanent jobs that New Mexicans can build their families around,” said Senator Heinrich. “This is a great example of what New Mexico does best: Developing cutting-edge science and technology and manufacturing it right here in our state. As New Mexico’s senior senator, I will keep working to further bolster New Mexico’s bases, defense research labs, and private industry partners so we can keep excelling in emerging defense capabilities.”

Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, emphasized the broader workforce impact.

“Today marks the continued evolution of New Mexico’s innovation economy, demonstrating that New Mexico is the next frontier for technologies that are essential for our economy and our national security,” said Secretary Black. “Castelion also adds a new layer of career opportunities for the next generation of New Mexicans who can add building really cool rockets as a potential career in their home state.”

Local and regional collaboration was essential to New Mexico’s selection, driven by efforts from Sandoval County, the City of Rio Rancho, the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA), and state officials.

“I am very excited and grateful for Castelion to be incredible partners with us to help our nation stay ahead of our competitors when it comes to national security,” said New Mexico State Senator Jay Block. “This company will be critical to catch up and pass China and Russia in hypersonic technologies. This is a race we cannot lose.”

“The decision by Castelion to have its next rocket manufacturing facility in Sandoval County conjoins opportunity and legacy,” said Sandoval County Board of Commissions Chair Jordan Juarez. “This company has the vision, expertise, and experience in our country’s defense program; Sandoval County has the high-tech talent to support its efforts and also the land and logistics for its manufacturing needs. Combined, Castelion and Sandoval County continue New Mexico’s legacy and leadership in technology and defense. We are proud to partner with them in this endeavor. We celebrate that there will be an additional 300 high-paying jobs coming to our County, and together we will contribute to strengthening New Mexico’s role in the nation’s defense program.”

“Sandoval County is committed to providing the services necessary to assist Castelion in the successful build and operation of its newest rocket manufacturing facility,” said Wayne Johnson, Sandoval County Manager. “From our Economic Development Department to Public Works to Public Safety, we are ready to bring this project forward with a company that is dedicated to strengthening national security. Our qualified workforce is ready to join the Castelion team, and we are pleased that 300 jobs, paying on average, a $100,000 annual salary will be on this side of the river. Thank you, Castelion.”

“Today’s groundbreaking is a signal,” said Chad Matheson, interim president and CEO of AREA. “A signal that New Mexico and Greater Albuquerque will continue to lead in America’s defense and manufacturing future. Castelion’s decision to invest here reflects the strength of our assets, the depth of our talent, and the collaborative leadership that makes New Mexico competitive on a national scale.”

“Project Ranger represents a significant investment in New Mexico’s future and a strong vote of confidence in our community,” said Gregg Hull, Mayor of Rio Rancho. “Today’s groundbreaking brings high quality jobs, strengthens the economy and positions the region as a leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation for years to come.”

www.castelion.com