(USA)

A multi-million dollar drone runway was officially opened in the American state of Virginia yesterday.

Named the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MARS UAS) Airfield, it was opened by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. The MARS UAS was built with the support of $5.8 million from the state.

Governor McAuliffe said the 3,000 foot runway “propels Virginia further on its quest to become a national leader in autonomous technology and industry, which is at the heart of our efforts to build a new Virginia economy.”

The Governor also flew in a Aurora Centaur during his visit, a plane that can operate autonomously.