GRAND FORKS, ND –The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), in collaboration with the University of North Dakota’s Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF), proudly announces 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.
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.
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 UNDAF
The UND Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF) is a not-for-profit corporation, established for the benefit of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. Founded in 1985, UNDAF leads the role of business development and contract management on behalf of the Odegard School, establishing partnerships worldwide with both corporations and government entities in aerospace business. Today, UNDAF is a multi-million dollar foundation, providing expertise and services related to pilot training, unmanned aircraft pilot and sensor operator training, ISR services, contract employee services, aircraft leasing, FAA and ICAO/EASA air Traffic Control (ATC) training, airport management training, high-altitude physiology chamber training, software development, curriculum development, and leasing of office space. www.undaerospace.com
About Gorman Field
Gorman Field is a UAS test range built and operated by the UNDAF. Located a short distance from the city of Grand Forks, ND, it offers a spacious 12,000 sq/ft climate-controlled facility with modern amenities, large workspaces and open airspace for UAS testing and development. Gorman Field features 24/7 year-round accessibility with user specific secure access, Detect Radar Services, VHF communication capability, and access to BVLOS services within hundreds of miles of airspace through the Vantis system. gormanfield.com