Battle Creek Invests $7M to Lead Autonomous Aircraft Future in Michigan

Battle Creek is charting a new course into the skies, backed by a powerful $7 million state investment aimed at establishing the city as a leader in the autonomous aircraft future.

This ambitious push, part of the statewide 'Make it in Michigan' initiative, will transform the Battle Creek Executive Airport into a nerve center for advanced air mobility.

The funding specifically targets the development of a sophisticated infrastructure to support remote and autonomous aircraft operations, a move that local officials say will redefine aviation in the region.

The entire project represents a deliberate shift from experimental trials to building permanent, long-term infrastructure.

Economic development agency Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) announced it has selected ResilienX, a New York-based technology firm, to construct the critical ground-based systems.

This system is designed to enable aircraft to operate safely beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS), a crucial capability for the future of unmanned aerial systems.

According to Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO of BCU, this partnership accelerates the vision for MICH-AIR, the official name for the new air mobility hub.

This development places Battle Creek among a very select group of locations in the United States with the capacity for such advanced drone and autonomous aircraft operations.

The system, expected to be operational within a year, is not just a local project; it’s designed to be scalable across Michigan and potentially nationwide.

Once running, it will support a vast array of applications, from public safety and infrastructure inspection to medical logistics and defense missions.

The Battle Creek Executive Airport is uniquely positioned for this role, boasting over 200 acres of available land for development.

The airport is already a significant aviation center, home to Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, several aviation businesses, and the 110th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, which already conducts remote drone operations.

This existing ecosystem of aviation expertise creates a fertile ground for the MICH-AIR initiative to flourish and attract further aerospace investment.

ResilienX CEO Andrew Carter emphasized the project's significance, stating, “Battle Creek is making a deliberate investment in infrastructure, not experiments.”

This strategic move is about creating sustainable, high-skill jobs and cementing Michigan’s role as a leader in the next generation of industrial and technological innovation.

What is MICH-AIR?

MICH-AIR is the official name for the advanced air mobility park being developed at the Battle Creek Executive Airport. It aims to be a hub for drone manufacturing, operations, maintenance, repair, and pilot training, attracting significant aerospace investment to the region.

How will this impact the local economy?

The $7 million investment is expected to create numerous high-skill jobs in the aerospace and technology sectors. By becoming a national leader in autonomous aircraft operations, Battle Creek aims to attract new companies and talent, boosting local economic growth for years to come.

What kind of aircraft will operate here?

The new system will support a wide range of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including large commercial drones and potentially electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These will be used for various purposes, including cargo delivery, infrastructure inspection, public safety, and defense missions.