The university’s new Applied Aviation and Engineering Research Hangar is now at capacity. Home to the Eagle Flight Research Center, the hangar also provides more than 7,500 square feet of flexible lease space for corporate and research partners, with direct taxiway access to the Daytona Beach International Airport. The unique facility combines the attributes of a research complex with the capabilities of an aircraft hangar and engine test bed.
The Research Hangar is the latest addition to Embry-Riddle’s John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex) at the Research Park.
“Since the debut of the MicaPlex in spring 2017, entrepreneurs there have secured more than $27 million in seed funding for their ideas,” says Rodney Cruise, senior vice president for administration and planning. Additionally, the Research Park has created 115 internships and 71 high-paying jobs.
Supported by more than $3 million in State of Florida grants, $1 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and a grant from Volusia County, the Research Hangar was established to spur innovation within the state’s aeronautical cluster.
“We want to create a working lab where innovative companies advance aviation,” says Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler. “We want to welcome entrepreneurship onto our campus so that students gain inspirational models and hands-on opportunities. And we want to help high-paying jobs take root here. The Research Park’s facilities and tenants help us achieve all three goals.”