GRAND FORKS, North Dakota – The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) are pleased to announce a monumental partnership to develop a system like Vantis (North Dakota’s beyond-visual-line-of-sight system) in Tennessee, aimed at enhancing its UAS program over the next five years.
NPUASTS provided a comprehensive proposal to assist in the planning, development, implementation, and operation of a system to support unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and other autonomous technologies as directed by Tennessee leadership. The Test Site will collaborate with TDOT to assess current assets and infrastructure to devise a strategic plan for deploying the necessary infrastructure to meet their objectives.
The project will be executed in five phases:
- Phase 1: Regional Evaluation
- Phase 2: State Evaluation
- Phase 3: Key Site & Planning
- Phase 4: Initial Operational Capability
- Phase 5: Expansion
"We are thrilled to partner with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to advance the AAM infrastructure within the state," said Trevor Woods, Executive Director of NPUASTS. "This collaboration represents a significant step forward in creating a more interconnected and sustainable UAS ecosystem in the United States. By working together across state lines, we can achieve greater collaboration and support the development of robust infrastructure."
“We are eager to leverage NPUASTS as Tennessee continues to grow and demands on the transportation system increase,” said TDOT Aeronautics Director JP Saalwaechter. “Their expertise, combined with our shared commitment to safety and innovation, will help develop a transportation network that will meet the demands and utilize emerging technologies. Together, we will create a framework that promotes a high quality of life for all Tennesseans for years to come.”
NPUASTS is excited about the opportunity to contribute to Tennessee's advanced air mobility (AAM) initiative. This partnership highlights the synergies between the efforts at NPUASTS and the goals of Tennessee's UAS program, paving the way for innovative advancements in autonomous technology infrastructure.
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 unmanned 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.