Drones
Vantis RFP for a number of UAV suppliers to assist BVLOS
Newly released: Vantis RFP for UAS providers to support operational BVLOS tests
by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
Vantis, the North Dakota nationwide UAS network, has published a Request for Proposals (RFP) searching for multiple unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAS) to support the operational tests of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights support in the network. Proposals are due by December 31, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. CT.
A network of radars, radios, and other tower-mounted technologies that track manned and unmanned aircraft, Vantis enables UAS pilots to fly safely by detecting and avoiding obstacles outside the pilot’s line of sight. In cooperation with the system integrator Thales, Vantis will eventually cover the entire state of North Dakota and thus enable more frequent BVLOS flights.
“Enabling BVLOS flights is currently the holy grail of the UAS industry,” said Trevor Woods, interim general manager of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, which manages Vantis. “It will create opportunities and use cases in dozens of industries.”
Vantis has previously completed development tests using the system to track manned and unmanned flights in the area to confirm that all technologies involved are working reliably under a range of conditions. The tests were repeated with a variety of UAS to ensure that these systems continued to function across different UAS platforms and use cases. The data collected during the tests are reviewed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to validate the Vantis network’s proof of security.
“We have worked closely with our partners at the FAA to establish rigorous testing procedures to ensure Vantis meets the highest safety standards,” said Vantis program manager Jim Cieplak. “This Multi-UAS-RFP will enable these rigorous testing and bring us one step closer to repeatable, scalable and economically viable BVLOS public and commercial flights.”
The deadline for the receipt of questions and objections in connection with the announcement is December 3rd, answers and necessary changes to the announcement will follow on December 10th. Further information and access to the full tender can be found here.
Read more about Vantis, the Vantis partnership with Thales, the investment in Vantis and the expanding drone industry in North Dakota.
Ian attended the Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he now contributes to DroneLife.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a passionate observer of the emerging drone industry and regulatory environment for drones. Author of over 3,000 articles focusing on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam graduated from the University of Chicago and has over 20 years experience in high-tech sales and marketing for emerging technologies.
For advice or writing on the drone industry, email Miriam.
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