Blackstone Aerospace & UAS
A visitor’s guide to Blackstone aviation
Information reviewed September 17, 2026. Blackstone combines a historic Virginia town with established military and civilian aviation activity. For visiting engineers, pilots, instructors, suppliers and project teams, it helps to understand which organizations are here and where to find their own information.
A shared civilian and military airfield
Blackstone Army Airfield, also known as Allan C. Perkinson Airport, serves civilian and military aircraft. The Virginia National Guard places it two miles east of the town’s central business district. Contact the airfield or your host for operational and access arrangements.
Textron Systems in Blackstone
In a September 25, 2024 overview, Textron Systems described its Blackstone Aerosonde UAS Center of Excellence as a 38,000-square-foot facility supporting production, assembly, testing, training and logistics. That account documents an established local operation.
Platform Aerospace’s training investment
Platform Aerospace reported a February 17, 2026 groundbreaking in Blackstone for its Training Center of Excellence, with a hangar as the first phase. See the company’s announcement. Its location directory also identifies Blackstone as a training and integration-test location. A construction announcement is not a confirmation that every planned facility is complete.
Engineering and manufacturing investment
Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s June 4, 2024 announcement described a planned $3.7 million JKOZ Engineering relocation and expansion in Nottoway County. This is an announced investment, not a statement of completed spending or present staffing.
Plan your visit
Confirm your meeting address, reporting point and any access requirements with your host. For accommodation, Grey Swan Inn offers a historic setting in Blackstone with private guest rooms, Wi-Fi, parking and weekly or monthly rates. See airfield lodging and business and extended stays, or call (434) 264-1806. Read What’s New in Blackstone or discover the town’s leisure attractions. Grey Swan Inn is independently owned and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. military, FASTC, Fort Pickett (formerly Fort Barfoot), Blackstone Army Airfield, Platform Aerospace, or other organizations mentioned here.
Aerospace and UAS questions
UAS stands for unmanned aircraft system, also commonly described as an uncrewed aircraft system.
The Virginia National Guard, Textron Systems, Platform Aerospace and Virginia Economic Development Partnership provide the primary sources linked on this page.
No. Plans, groundbreakings and operating facilities are different stages. Refer to the organization’s latest statements for project status.
Our What’s New in Blackstone page presents dated updates with links to original announcements.
No. Grey Swan is an independent lodging property; the organizations are mentioned for visitor information.