Vigilant Aerospace, in collaboration with DeTect and Oklahoma State University (OSU), is making remarkable advancements in the realm of airspace management and detect-and-avoid (DAA) technologies.
Supported by funding from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) and the U.S. Economic Growth Administration, this initiative aims too develop a networked version of Vigilant Aerospace’s FlightHorizon software. This version will incorporate various radar systems, including DeTect’s cutting-edge HARRIER 7360 True3D radar, to optimize operations for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
This partnership exemplifies how innovative sensing technologies can greatly enhance the safety and scalability of drone operations, especially in droneports and designated UAS flight paths.
Utilizing DeTect’s Radar for Enhanced UAS Airspace Management
The research initiative centers on the integration and evaluation of three different radar systems, prominently featuring DeTect’s HARRIER 7360 True3D air traffic surveillance radar. This refined system boasts a detection range of 14 kilometers and offers comprehensive 360-degree coverage,positioning it as a transformative tool for droneport applications and extensive UAS operations. The FlightHorizon platform is the first to integrate this advanced radar, marking a meaningful advancement in the safety of autonomous flights.
By merging multiple radar systems—such as DeTect’s ground-based HARRIER 7360 and the onboard EchoFlight radar—with flighthorizon’s software, the project aspires to establish a scalable, distributed detect-and-avoid solution. The system is engineered to:
- Eliminate duplicate detections by correlating targets across various radars.
- Reduce signal interference by managing radar frequencies.
- Incorporate real-time data from sources like ADS-B, autopilot telemetry, FAA SWIM air traffic feeds, and weather radar.
- Offer a modular framework that accommodates multi-radar setups for broader coverage.
Ryan Walsh, Senior project Manager at DeTect, expressed, “We are thrilled to have FlightHorizon as the first airspace management and detect-and-avoid system globally to incorporate DeTect’s powerful HARRIER 7360 True3D radar. This fusion of technology and expertise represents a significant milestone in the industry, and we eagerly anticipate demonstrating the system in various state, federal, and tribal projects aimed at enhancing flight safety at droneports.”
field Trials and Practical Validation
recent field trials have showcased the effectiveness of the integrated system, successfully linking multiple radars to FlightHorizon with target correlation and coordinated fields of regard. A diverse range of aircraft—including multirotor and fixed-wing drones, along with piloted Cessna planes—were utilized to evaluate detection capabilities and system reliability.
DeTect’s HARRIER 7360 radar was instrumental during these trials, providing extensive airspace surveillance and demonstrating its potential to facilitate large-scale UAS operations. The ability to validate radar data using precise GPS tracking further confirmed the system’s accuracy, solidifying its role as a next-generation airspace management solution.
Industry Influence and Future Prospects
The achievements of this project represent a pivotal advancement in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems, aiding the safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.
Furthermore,the collaboration between Vigilant Aerospace and DeTect is propelling the development of dual-use DAA solutions for both civilian and military applications. This project supports the ongoing evolution of the FlightHorizon PILOT onboard system, which utilizes DeTect’s EchoFlight radar for enhanced airborne situational awareness, as well as the FlightHorizon COMMANDER ground-based airspace management system, powered by the HARRIER 7360 radar.
Kraettli Epperson, CEO of vigilant Aerospace, remarked, “OAIRE’s research and engineering support for this project has been outstanding, and the testing environment at OSU’s Unmanned Aircraft Flight Station is ideal for rigorously evaluating some of the top radars available today. As technology rapidly evolves in this sector, it is crucial to integrate and test the latest sensors comprehensively, and these live field and flight tests with general aviation aircraft provide the best means to assess real-world performance and ensure safety.”
By merging advanced radar technologies and enhancing multi-sensor airspace management capabilities, this initiative is setting the stage for safer and more efficient drone operations, paving the way for the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), long-range UAS missions, and next-generation droneport infrastructure.
