COLUMBIA (AP) – Federal officials have signed off on university-backed drone research in south-central Missouri.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reported the Federal Aviation Administration granted an application to use airspace at the University of Missouri’s Wurdack Research Center for research and economic development projects. The 1,200-acre center is located 45 minutes southeast of Rolla, along the Meramec River.

The application was sought by the University of Missouri, the Missouri University of Science and Technology and Saint Louis University.

SLU is providing the providing the drone. Researchers will use a “Maveric” model that weighs 2.6 pounds and has a 29.5-inch wingspan.