The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) has taken steps to advance the state’s aviation infrastructure by awarding a contract to Oklahoma City-based Vigilant Aerospace. This contract marks the state’s first investment in an airspace management system and an automatic detect-and-avoid solution aimed at supporting drone flights and the growing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.
Oklahoma as an aviation leader
The selection of Vigilant Aerospace is part of Oklahoma’s broader initiative to establish itself as a national testing ground for both civilian and military drones, as well as to facilitate future AAM operations such as electric vertical takeoff air taxis and autonomous cargo aircraft. This follows a recent announcement of new counter-UAS equipment procured for Oklahoma law enforcement.
The contract was executed in partnership with the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), which operates one of the 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the United States at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port at Clinton-Sherman Airport.
RELATED CONTENT: Oklahoma steps up efforts to develop counter-UAS capabilities
The tech behind the initiative
Under the multi-year agreement, Vigilant Aerospace will deploy its FlightHorizon system at the spaceport, integrating and managing multiple mobile air traffic surveillance radars. The system will provide remote monitoring and Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) functions, enhancing Oklahoma’s capability to track both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft.
Notably, FlightHorizon will replace traditional visual observers with electronic observers, eliminating the need for chase planes in long-range beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights, including high-speed and high-altitude operations.
Funding for the project originates from the Oklahoma Legislature’s 2022 Preserving Rural Economic Prosperity fund initiative. The investment is designed to strengthen UAS and AAM infrastructure, preparing OSIDA and other state entities for the integration of these emerging aviation technologies.
The system’s mobility allows it to be redeployed across the state, supporting the broader goal of developing advanced autonomous aircraft operations and BVLOS flight testing for next-generation military and cargo drones within the U.S. National Airspace System.
The FlightHorizon system relies on scalable cloud-based software that integrates multiple air traffic surveillance radars produced by DeTect, Inc., a project partner. In addition to mobile radar trailers, the system utilizes data from radars, aircraft transponders, drone telemetry, Remote ID drone beacons and FAA data to provide a comprehensive airspace monitoring solution for remote pilots and airspace managers.
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Leadership perspectives
Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of ODAA, emphasized Oklahoma’s goals in becoming a leader in aviation innovation:
“This investment in systems and infrastructure for advanced air mobility and autonomous aircraft is one of several initiatives that demonstrate the state of Oklahoma’s commitment to being a national leader on the cutting edge of aviation industry technology.”
“The traditional aerospace and defense industry plays a critical role in the State’s economy, and we are grateful for the opportunity to bring this new segment of the industry together with Oklahoma’s pioneering spirit to ensure our state stays at the forefront of the national conversation to develop autonomous aviation systems.”
Craig Smith, Executive Director of OSIDA, highlighted the significance of the project:
“The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority is proud to lead Oklahoma into a new era of investing in transformative technologies that will shape Oklahoma’s future space and aeronautics industries. This partnership with Vigilant Aerospace underscores our commitment to making Oklahoma an industry leader in technology advancements and expanding the state’s capabilities supporting the missions of current and future customers.”
“OSIDA applauds the Oklahoma Legislature for supporting this important technology and is excited to promote their vision. Through this initiative, we are building the infrastructure that will enable the safe and efficient operation of autonomous aircraft, creating new opportunities for innovation, job growth and economic development.”
Kraettli Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace, spoke about the company’s role in advancing airspace management:
“Oklahoma understands the importance of the autonomous aviation industry for the state and our nation and is taking the lead in this growing industry and ecosystem. Choosing a flexible, scalable solution that can support a wide range of military and commercial drone flights, and investing in the emerging AAM industry, Oklahoma is showing the nation a path forward.”
“We are proud that our technology can serve as the cornerstone of this initiative and look forward to seeing FlightHorizon provide a new level of scalable, safe air traffic management in the State while providing opportunities for technological and economic development.”
Post Image – An aerial view of Clinton-Sherman Airport
