Dr. Andrew Armacost, President | University of North Dakota
Dr. Andrew Armacost, President | University of North Dakota
The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota (UND) has partnered with Vigilant Aerospace Systems for a one-year agreement to utilize FlightHorizon, a drone safety software and airspace management system. The memorandum of understanding, formalized late last year, aims to integrate this technology into UND's operations and research by summer.
Vigilant Aerospace will provide training for students and faculty, aligning with UND Aerospace’s focus on Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) traffic management and counter-autonomy measures. This is particularly relevant due to recent drone activities near critical infrastructure in New Jersey.
FlightHorizon leverages NASA-patented technology for detect-and-avoid alerts during beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. It combines sensors, machine learning, and data sources to enhance situational awareness, allowing operators to prevent potential collisions through alerts.
Paul Snyder, director of UND’s UAS program, emphasized the significance of the collaboration as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans new rules for BVLOS drone operations. “We’re working with innovative, collaborative companies that want to move the UAS industry forward quickly, but safely,” he stated.
Snyder noted that FlightHorizon complements existing tools like DeTect Inc.'s radar systems already deployed at Gorman Field. He explained that integrating Vigilant Aerospace’s software would create a unified operating picture by combining hardware data from various sensors onto one screen.
This partnership also involves efforts to submit FlightHorizon for FAA approval under the Near-Term Approval Process for Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management services and seek funding for C-UAS technologies.
Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with UND Aerospace: “We are excited to be entering into this new collaboration to support their operational and educational missions and advance the industry overall.”
Alerts Sign-up