The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), in collaboration with the University of North Dakota’s Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF), has announced the continued expansion of Vantis, as the system inputs data from a privately owned system for the first time. This latest development marks the integration of the DeTect HARRIER radar system at UND’s Gorman Field.
“By integrating UND Aerospace DeTect Radar System with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site’s Vantis system, UND Aerospace’s Gorman UAS Test Range further expands its capabilities and options to foster collaboration for all UAS public and commercial applications across the state of North Dakota,” said Chad Martin, with the UNDAF. “As Vantis expands throughout the state, UND as well as commercial and public clients at the Gorman Field UAS Test Range, will maximize their potential to operate UAS beyond visual line of sight while maintaining safety of flight. UND Aerospace continues to set the standard in UAS operations, further advancing the future of UAS in the region.”
Key Benefits of the Collaboration
Advancing UAS Education and Workforce Development: Grand Forks is home to UND, the nation’s first accredited UAS degree program. With Vantis infrastructure now active in the region, UND students will have direct access to operational BVLOS systems, hands-on training opportunities, and collaboration on real-world research and development projects.
Enhancing the Coverage Area: The integration of two radar systems operating simultaneously in the Grand Forks converge area enhances the accuracy and reliability of airspace awareness. By combining data from multiple sensors, operators gain a more complete, real-time picture of manned aircraft activity. This layered approach strengthens safety, improves detect-and-avoid capabilities, and supports more advanced UAS operations.
Technology-Agnostic Design: The Vantis system is built on a technology-agnostic architecture, allowing it to integrate a wide range of sensors, radars and communication tools from various manufacturers. This flexible approach ensures Vantis remains adaptable as new technologies emerge, avoiding vendor lock-in and enabling customized solutions for diverse UAS operations.
“Integrating privately owned radars like this showcases the flexibility of the Vantis system and marks a significant leap forward in expanding safe, scalable access to the national airspace,” said Erin Roesler, Deputy Executive Director of NPUASTS. “With the activation of the Grand Forks radar site, we’re building on that momentum and further positioning North Dakota as the nation’s proving ground for uncrewed aviation.”
Vantis is the first system of its kind in the U.S. combining aviation-grade infrastructure, real-time services, and regulatory support to enable scalable BVLOS operations. It was also the first to receive FAA approval through the Near-Term Approval Process (NTAP), reinforcing its position as a national model for safe UAS integration.
This collaboration is a significant step forward in operationalizing advanced UAS infrastructure and expanding the possibilities for uncrewed aviation across North Dakota and beyond.
