A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed late last year to formalise the agreement, which will see Vigilant Aerospace provide training for UND Aerospace students and faculty, with full integration of FlightHorizon into the programme’s operations and research expected by summer. Further, the initiative aligns with UND Aerospace’s commitment to advancing UAS traffic management (UTM) and C-UAS measures, areas increasingly relevant in light of recent drone sightings near critical infrastructure in New Jersey.
FlightHorizon utilises NASA-patented technology to provide detect-and-avoid (DAA) alerts during BVLOS operations. By integrating multiple sensors, machine learning and data sources, the software delivers real-time situational awareness to allow operators to identify nearby aircraft and avoid potential collisions through visual and auditory alerts.
Paul Snyder, director of UND’s UAS programme, described the technology as complement-ing UND Aerospace’s existing suite of counter autonomy and UAS (C-UAS) tools, including 360° day/night cameras and radar systems made by the US-based company DeTect Inc.
“The software that Vigilant Aerospace provides can easily integrate with the hardware that we’re using and will create a common operating picture that enables us to fuse hardware and data from DeTect radars and other sensors into one screen,” Snyder said.
The MOU also includes a joint effort to submit FlightHorizon to the FAA’s Near-Term Approval Process for UTM services and pursue funding opportunities for C-UAS and UTM technologies.
“UND Aerospace educates some of the nation’s most competitive aviation and UAS students and is one of the most accomplished and best equipped research centres for autonomous aviation in the country,” said Kraettli L Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace. “We are excited to be entering into this new collaboration to support its operational and educational missions and advance the industry overall.”
According to Snyder, the one-year agreement sets the stage for a mutually beneficial partnership.
“Our hope is that we can grow together within this ever-changing field of UAS and autonomous technology. Vigilant Aerospace can continue to expand their product’s capability, and we can continue to be on the cutting edge of education, training and research,” he said.
