GRAND FORKS, North Dakota - In response to this past weekend’s devastating tornadoes, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) is sending a team to fly drones and assist with aerial searches for scattered belongings and debris.
The NPUASTS, as a state entity and committed public servant, is responding to the broader community's request to support recovery efforts. Using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), crews are helping community members locate displaced items across fields and farmland, a task that is difficult and time-consuming by ground alone.
Utilizing Vantis, North Dakota’s BVLOS system, NPUASTS is able to provide safer and more efficient flights assisting the aerial search.
“In the aftermath of disaster, every small piece of normalcy matters. If our drones can help a family recover their lost items or just bring clarity to the chaos, they’ve done their job,” said Erin Roesler, Deputy Executive Director at NPUASTS. “This is more than technology; it’s neighbors helping neighbors, and we’re honored to be part of that.”
This effort reflects the core mission of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, using technology to serve the public good and give back to the communities we’re honored to be part of.
About Northern Plains UAS Test Site
As one of seven FAA-designated UAS Test Sites, the NPUASTS is committed to leading the nation in autonomous technology solutions. Our mission is to innovate, test, and advance these technologies, bringing tangible benefits to communities nationwide. Through high-quality research, commercialization of UAS technologies, and active participation in policy and standards development, the NPUASTS is at the forefront of integrating UAS into the National Airspace System. Visit NPUASTS.com for more information.
About Vantis
Vantis is North Dakota’s statewide uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) system, the first of its kind in the nation and administered by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. Created by North Dakota with an initial investment in 2019, Vantis provides turnkey support to commercial and public UAS operators through infrastructure and regulatory approvals allowing applications and usability over a variety of industries. Visit VantisUAS.com for more information.