From its creation the Northern Plains UAS Test Site has developed and participated in UAS programs to advance public and defense technology. We advance UAS flight and help build a larger ecosystem.
See Our Core FunctionsExpanding Innovation Through UAS Programs
BVLOS Flight Through Vantis
Vantis, North Dakota's statewide UAS system administered by NPUASTS, is building the infrastructure and regulatory structure to provide turnkey support to NDAA-compliant UAS operators. Its suite of services allow beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight, in a safe, repeatable and scalable fashion – opening up endless UAS possibilities.
Vantis Radar Data Enclave
The Vantis Radar Data Enclave is a secure integration of unfiltered radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration. The test site is the first non-federal entity in the nation to have access to the FAA's unfiltered radar data which is one of the most comprehensive sources of airspace awareness available.
Drone Replacement Program
The NPUASTS leads the Drone Replacement Program (DRP), a statewide initiative to help North Dakota state agencies replace drone systems that do not meet current federal security requirements. We support agencies through transition, onboarding and training, as well as implementing a phased procurement strategy.
Project ULTRA
The Department of War's UAS Logistics Traffic Response Autonomy (ULTRA) Project is at the forefront of advancing UAS technology for logistics and transportation. We serve as a key authorization and flight‑operations partner, helping to turn ambitious concepts into executable, compliant flight activities.
FAA BEYOND Program
The NPUASTS has been active in the FAA's BEYOND program since its launch. BEYOND Phase 2 began in 2025, the next iteration from the FAA in further integrating new technologies and systems into the National Airspace to push the boundaries of bigger, higher, farther operations.
Research Through ASSURE
The Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) comprises over 30 of the world's leading research institutions and more than a hundred leading industry and government partners, including the NPUASTS.