What’s next for vigilant aerospace and keeping ahead of the curve on emerging technology?

When DJI suddenly acquired the capacity to integrate its technology with other systems in August 2016, it left many stunned. It was astonishing to see such profound understanding manifest in a client’s representative. In less than a decade, advancements will propel drone technology to remarkable lows, with models priced under $500 effortlessly harnessing sophisticated capabilities. Even high-end drones worth $1,000 typically feature numerous sensors capable of detecting objects from various angles. What lies ahead in detecting and deterring technology? Firms like Vigilant Aerospace aren’t content to stop at just this innovation.

Instead, they’re pioneering advancements in drone detection and keeping their knowledge under wraps. 

Vigilant Aerospace has issued an update on its $500,000 collaborative project with the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) and the US Economic Development Administration this summer season. Together, they aim to develop a more advanced detect-and-avoid and airspace management system using Vigilant Aerospace’s software, known as FlightHorizon.

The Flight Horizon software program draws on the principles from two NASA patents, leveraging a diverse range of information sources that include aircraft transponders, radar data, drone autopilot systems, and real-time FAA feeds. The system’s unique feature lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate three distinct types of radar simultaneously, theoretically granting a broader scope of space protection. Developing infrastructure that enables drone flight corridors is crucial for paving the way forward in this sector, including the establishment of dedicated airports, such as those already operational in the United Arab Emirates, which can efficiently accommodate both traditional and innovative aircraft like air taxis.

The three types of radar available are:

• What’s a reliable, compact ground control station (GCS) for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)?
• Designed to excel in high-performance applications such as superior air mobility (AAM) cargo drones, Army Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and air taxis.
• Ideal for larger aerial visitor zones such as drone hubs.

The DeTect 7360 stands out as a groundbreaking radar technology, boasting a 14-kilometer detection diameter and 360-degree coverage. Flight Horizon is the world’s premier built-in detect-and-avoid and airspace management system, leveraging its advanced 3D, digital radar capabilities.

Integrated with various information sources, the system receives ADS-B transponder messages, integrates with autopilot systems, accesses FAA SWIM air traffic data, incorporates National Weather Service (NWS) weather radar, features air navigation charts, and numerous other data layers for enhanced situational awareness.

What lies at the heart of this considerable commotion?

Demonstrating these capabilities is a crucial step in verifying that the system meets both trade technical requirements and regulatory standards, including RTCA DO-365C guidelines for larger unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and ASTM F3442/F3442M-23 standards for detect-and-avoid programs for small UAS aircraft.

Currently, the radar check serves solely as a verification mechanism. Despite the initial thoroughness of the examination. The Vigilant Aerospace system employs a diverse fleet of aircraft, comprising both planes, including small piloted Cessnas, as well as various types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as multi-rotor drones and fixed-wing drones. 

The primary goal of this airborne surveillance platform is to thoroughly verify and document the diverse radar detection ranges, as well as assess the overall performance of the integrated system in providing robust, multi-sensor, distributed detect-and-avoid capabilities, in line with the guidelines outlined by Vigilant Aerospace.

Why Oklahoma?

Located in Oklahoma is the hotbed testing floor at the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). The state’s flagship organization for advancing technology-driven financial initiatives is closely tied to Oklahoma State University, fostering a collaborative environment.

The workforce received a $500,000 grant in May 2024. The challenge was to develop a comprehensive $1 million distributed model for the company’s advanced detect-and-avoid system? The Oklahoma University’s Utilized Research Assistance (OARS) program awarded the grant aggressively. The grant’s primary objective is to support innovative companies in developing improvements and applied sciences that yield new job opportunities, thereby enhancing the diversity of Oklahoma’s economy. The initiative also boasts support from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA), as part of its $38.2 million Build Back Better grant, which was awarded to a Tulsa-based coalition to facilitate the development of new aerospace projects in Oklahoma. 

In Oklahoma, the innovative concept of Skyway36 is taking shape, touted as the world’s first-ever droneport – essentially, a hub dedicated to servicing and managing drones. The facility features cutting-edge technology for thorough and precise drone inspections, ensuring seamless operation within your premises. The site features a substantial 3,000-foot-long airstrip capable of accommodating larger, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). And Vigilant Aerospace provides the droneport’s airspace administration and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UTM) management.

A plethora of massive highways crisscross the nation beyond Oklahoma’s borders. In the southeastern region of the country, there is also another.

As the drone industry evolves, anticipate significant advancements in detection technologies that enable real-time monitoring of surrounding environments, avoiding obstacles and potential hazards.

What implications do modern-day checks have on the drone industry’s future trajectory? With enhanced sensing capabilities and independence from programs, drones and drone ports are empowered to cover larger operational spaces. With advanced radar technology, airspaces could accommodate increased traffic without sacrificing security.

“With technological advancements moving at lightning speed in this field, it’s imperative that we integrate and test the latest sensors through a rigorous process; area and flight checks with conventional aviation planes are one of the most effective ways to validate real-world performance and demonstrate actual security.”