A New Era in UAS Education: UND Aerospace Teams Up with Vigilant Aerospace Systems

New Era in UAS Education: UND Aerospace and Vigilant Aerospace Partnership

The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota, widely known as UND Aerospace, has embarked on an exciting partnership with Vigilant Aerospace Systems to elevate UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) education and research. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced drone safety technologies into their academic programs, marking a significant step forward in preparing students for the evolving aviation landscape.

A Commitment to Innovation

In late 2024, UND Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vigilant Aerospace, formalizing their efforts for the upcoming year. As part of the agreement, Vigilant will introduce its proprietary drone safety software, FlightHorizon, into the curriculum and operations of UND Aerospace. This software utilizes NASA-patented technology to enhance safety protocols by providing detect-and-avoid (DAA) alerts during beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

According to Paul Snyder, Assistant Chair and Director of the UAS Program at UND, the integration of FlightHorizon is scheduled for completion by summer 2025. He emphasized that the partnership supports UND's ongoing commitment to advancing UAS traffic management (UTM) initiatives and Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) strategies, especially following heightened concerns regarding drone activity near critical infrastructure.

Technology Integration

FlightHorizon operates by integrating multiple sensors, machine learning techniques, and various data sources to provide real-time situational awareness. This enables operators to proactively detect nearby aircraft, reducing the risk of potential collisions through immediate visual and auditory alerts. Such advancements are particularly important as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is poised to establish new regulations for BVLOS drone operations, and UND Aerospace is determined to equip its students with the requisite skills to navigate this complex landscape safely.

Vigilant Aerospace CEO, Kraettli L. Epperson, highlighted the significance of their collaboration, stating, "UND Aerospace educates some of the nation's most competitive aviation and UAS students. We are excited to support their educational missions and advance the industry overall."

Furthermore, the MOU outlines a plan to jointly submit FlightHorizon to the FAA's Near-Term Approval Process for UTM services and to explore funding opportunities for C-UAS and UTM technologies. This initiative positions UND Aerospace at the forefront of UAS education and innovation.

Future Prospects

Both Snyder and Epperson express optimism about the partnership, indicating that the one-year agreement could foster mutual growth in the ever-evolving fields of UAS and autonomous technology. The collaboration will enhance the capabilities of Vigilant's products while ensuring that UND Aerospace remains at the leading edge of research and training.

"Our hope is that we can grow together within this ever-changing field of UAS and autonomous technology," Snyder remarked. "Vigilant Aerospace can expand their product developments while we will maintain our reputation for pioneering education in this space."

About UND Aerospace

As a prominent center for aerospace learning, UND Aerospace is recognized nationally for its outstanding programs in aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and policy research related to earth systems. With a faculty and staff base of over 500 and more than 2,100 students from around the globe, UND Aerospace is shaping the future of flight through innovative education and research.

About Vigilant Aerospace

Vigilant Aerospace is a leader in multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for drones, facilitating safe and efficient flight operations beyond visual line of sight. Their clientele includes prestigious organizations such as NASA, the FAA, and various defense sectors. For more information, visit www.vigilantaerospace.com.