Tulsa now has the world's first dedicated environmental flight testing lab for drones, according to representatives with WindShape, a Swiss company, where a ribbon was cut on the facility Thursday.

The company built a large testing instrument made up of small fans, with controls that allow it to create different airflow patterns, and introduce snow and rain into the flight testing. The system allows drone developers to test equipment so it can be certified for use in critical roles like public safety and military applications.

WindShape CEO Guillaume Catry said the company will immediately build a larger instrument to accommodate drones with up to a 16' wingspan. Tulsan Steve Cole, the Director of the facility, said it would allow developers to test and adjust designs before moving a pro

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