WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita is using a new laboratory to test how to safely carry pressurized oxygen bottles on airplanes.

The research is being conducted at the new Ballistics and Impact Dynamics Lab for B/E Aerospace in Olathe.

The Wichita Eagle reports the lab, operated by Wichita State University, cost $300,000 to set up. It is inside the former Britt Brown Arena at the Kansas Coliseum.

The laboratory will be used to conduct high-risk tests on other materials used in airplanes, such as fuel tanks.

NIAR officials say the next step will be to add the ability to test bird-strike and high velocity projectile impacts later this year.