Senator for North Dakota, John Hoeven has announced the activation of the Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave, a secure integration of unfiltered radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Vantis system at the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site.
The test site is the first non-federal entity in the nation to have access to the FAA’s unfiltered radar data feed. Thales operates as the systems integrator.
The enclave enables operators to fly UAS beyond visual line of site (BVLOS) statewide, while also allowing for more frequent BVLOS flights. It also provides counter-UAS capabilities needed to address national security concerns and creates new opportunities for UAS research and development.
“Federal radar data is one of the most comprehensive sources of airspace awareness available,” Hoeven said on February 27. “We recognised that bringing this data feed to our state was essential for raising our UAS and counter-UAS operations to the next level.”
Frank McIntosh, FAA Air Traffic Organization Chief Operating Officer said the initiative “provides a practical blueprint” as the agency looks ahead to expanded BVLOS operations and increased automation.
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Image: Northern Plains UAS Test Site