Vantis marks a significant milestone in the development of the nation’s first statewide Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) system. The Mission Network and Operations Center (MNOC) at GrandSKY Aviation and Business Park, just outside Grand Forks, North Dakota, serves as the command center for Vantis and is integral to coordinating beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight.

Now, we’re taking you on a tour of the MNOC, going inside the facility to learn more about Vantis technology and services from the experts themselves.

Our tour begins with Gee, Vantis Network Manager, who demonstrates the robust procedures and processes that underpin Vantis. From secured facility access to industry-leading standard operating procedures, the MNOC prioritizes safety and security at every level. Rigorous safety risk assessments and detailed incident reporting are essential to the success of the advanced drone operations that Vantis enables.

Next, we meet Steffan, the Mission Manager, in the Operations Room – the heart of Vantis. Here, a wall of screens displays real-time data on everything from traffic positions to system health. Here’s, the MNOC team monitors and manages the Vantis system, ensuring safe and efficient BVLOS drone flights across the state’s service volumes. This includes:

• Operations Display: Where drone operators submit their flight plans and connect to the Vantis network.
• Mission Manager Display: Used to review missions, monitor active flights, and track all aircraft traffic in the area.
• Monitor and Control Display: Provides a real-time view of the health and status of the entire Vantis infrastructure.
• Flight Crew Display: Gives drone operators in the field critical situational awareness during their flights.

In the Integration Lab, we meet Doug, Flight Operations Manager at ISight RPV Services, who demonstrates how operators can test and maintain their aircraft systems to ensure seamless connectivity with Vantis services throughout advanced BVLOS operations.

Finally, we round out the tour with Erin, Vantis Deputy Executive Director, who explains the significance of Vantis receiving FAA approval for BVLOS flights. This achievement sets a precedent for drone operations across the country and paves the way for widespread adoption of this groundbreaking technology.

Ready to experience the future of flight? We welcome you to visit our aviation-grade, state-of-the-art facility in person, or you can drop us a line to learn more.