North Dakota:
The Nation's UAS Epicenter

Our state's multi-million dollar investment in Vantis, the North Dakota UAS system, is the latest in a decade-plus of coordinated efforts to make the state friendly to UAS business and innovation. We've worked to lower barriers of entry, bolster the UAS workforce, and invest in advanced UAS research to create a thriving UAS ecosystem. We're the place to come to for commercializing scalable UAS operations. The momentum continues to accelerate. Join us.

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The Vantis Network

Remote Infrastructure

  • Surveillance sensors
  • Command and control radios

Backhaul Data Network

  • High reliability, low latency
  • Scalable

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

  • Ground control station
  • Aircraft

Mission & Network Operations Center

  • Data correlation and validation
  • Maintenance monitoring
  • System testing

The Importance of BVLOS

Commercial manned aircraft depend on a network of support to expand their range beyond just what the pilots can see. That similar infrastructure on the ground - the radar, the air traffic control and operations centers - helps UAS “see” the whole picture, as well. Vantis allows full beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights, meaning UAS can go farther and into areas otherwise impossible to fly safely due to dangerous conditions or lack of direct ground support. BVLOS flight opens up capabilities and opportunities to innovate.

UAS Uses and Industries

From private to public sectors, the statewide UAS network provides the launchpad to commercialization and raising the bar for customer services. Innovators are utilizing UAS technology to increase efficiencies, enhance safety, and bring new capabilities to businesses and people.

Operators use UAS to collect data and inspect wells and pipelines in the resource-rich Bakken Formation, increasing safety and productivity.

Oil and Gas

UAS is the fastest method to locate and assess damage to the state's electric grid following severe weather or other power interruptions.

Electric Utilities

North Dakota commerce relies on UAS to monitor and inspect thousands of miles of rail, roads and bridges to keep goods traveling to customers.

Rails and Roads

With over 40 million acres devoted to farming and ranching, agriculture needs UAS to assess plant and livestock health and increase yields.

Agriculture

UAS efficiently gets lifesaving medicine and equipment to people and providers quickly and reduces turnaround time for vital medical testing.

Medical Services

Unmanned aircraft systems answer delivery demands for more than half of the state designated as frontier counties, with rural populations.

Deliveries

The Heart of Vantis

The Mission and Network Operations Center (MNOC) is the command center for the entire system. This is the heart of Vantis. From its Grand Forks location, Vantis has the technology to monitor and control the remote infrastructure, enabling the entire operation. The MNOC is integral to coordinating safe, repeatable BVLOS flights across North Dakota, and scalable to larger regions.

The Heart of Vantis

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See how North Dakota provides the right combination of infrastructure and resources to support business.

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