Representative Curt Weldon (R-Pa.) supports efforts to establish a new center for rotorcraft innovation (CRI) in Pennsylvania. Congress has allocated initial funding of $2.5 million from U.S. Army funds for the project. Rande Vauss, executive director for the new laboratories, told AIN that the facility would be set up at the Delaware County Campus of Penn State University. Vauss said that the research being undertaken will involve “dual-use” technology.

The new CRI will also assume the responsibilities of the rotorcraft industry technology association (RITA). According to Vauss, Weldon has said that he would like to see a “significant” international component to the center.