Vantis: North Dakota’s Revolutionary UAS Infrastructure Program Reaching New Heights
The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is transforming unmanned aviation through innovative infrastructure, regulatory advancement, and collaborative partnerships
The evolution of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) integration into national airspace has found a pioneering home in North Dakota through Vantis, a groundbreaking statewide UAS network.
As revealed in a recent eVTOL Insights podcast featuring Erin Roesler, Deputy Executive Director at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, the program continues to make significant strides in advancing UAS operations and infrastructure.
At its core, Vantis was created to address a critical gap in UAS operations – the lack of shared infrastructure. Unlike traditional transportation sectors that benefit from shared resources like highways and airports, UAS operators historically had to develop their own infrastructure for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.
Vantis now provides comprehensive coverage across approximately 3,000 square miles in North Dakota, offering essential services including command and control capabilities and surveillance systems.
The program has achieved significant regulatory breakthroughs, particularly through the FAA’s Near Term Approval Process (NTAP). As the first entity to complete NTAP’s four phases with multiple operators, Vantis has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in securing BVLOS approvals – reducing the timeline from two years to less than three months for subsequent operators.
A significant development in Vantis’s portfolio is Project ULTRA, a collaboration with the Department of Defense aimed at enhancing military logistical capabilities through UAS operations.
The upcoming tests between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station will validate operational concepts for secure and efficient cargo transport between controlled and uncontrolled airspace environments, potentially creating a blueprint for future military UAS integration across the United States.
Counter-UAS Capabilities The test site has expanded its scope to include counter-UAS testing in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security. This initiative evaluates various counter-UAS technologies, providing crucial data for protecting national security assets and developing defense strategies against unauthorized UAS activities.
The program has secured a groundbreaking agreement with the FAA for access to unfiltered radar surveillance feeds, potentially expanding coverage from 3,000 to 56,000 square miles. Additionally, Vantis is focusing on supporting public safety and state agency initiatives in UAS integration, aiming to enhance rural connectivity and emergency services through BVLOS operations.
A unique aspect of the program’s mission involves preparing the next generation of UAS professionals. Given the rapidly evolving nature of UAS regulations and technology, emphasis is placed on developing adaptive learning skills and maintaining current knowledge of industry developments, rather than simply teaching static regulations.
As Vantis continues to evolve from a mere test site to a catalyst for future UAS and autonomous aviation opportunities, its comprehensive approach to infrastructure development, regulatory advancement, and industry collaboration positions North Dakota at the forefront of UAS integration.
Through initiatives like Project ULTRA, counter-UAS testing, and expanded surveillance capabilities, Vantis is actively shaping the future of unmanned aviation while creating a model for other states to follow.
