GRAND FORKS – The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is unlocking the unique capabilities of Vantis to operators for no cost, offering the ability to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), beginning July 1.

Operators will get Application Programming Interface access and onboarded on the statewide UAS system at no cost, allowing initial flights on North Dakota’s unique statewide BVLOS infrastructure, along with access to Northern Plains UAS Test Site personnel and expertise.

“At least for the next year, the system is available for users to accelerate their ability to utilize advanced UAS capabilities, which are forthcoming with FAA rulemaking,” said Trevor Woods, NPUASTS executive director. “The Vantis system today will help pre-lead the exercising of operators and aircraft to implement solutions for their use cases, such as agriculture, bridge inspections and medical services. The BVLOS infrastructure is in place. This is a unique opportunity to use it and take the next step in their operations.”

The NPUASTS will be working with industry partner, Thales, to onboard operators on Vantis, teaching them how to use the system and giving them API applications to fly successful missions using National Defense Authorization Act-compliant aircraft.

Other advantages include access to the NPUASTS’ Section 44803 approvals in the Vantis coverage areas, allowing partners to fly aircraft up to 1,320 pounds and at altitudes up to 17,999 feet mean sea level, depending on location, greatly opening up possibilities and missions.

“North Dakota UAS has been an ‘overnight success’ for more than 20 years in the making. We have already engaged with other states and governmental agencies looking to set up similar systems in their areas,” Woods said. “To them we say, use what we’ve learned and have perfected in North Dakota to expand BVLOS flight everywhere. It’s time to achieve our UAS goals.”