GRAND FORKS, ND – The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is unlocking the unique capabilities of Vantis to operators for no cost, offering the ability to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), beginning July 1, 2026.

With this, operators will get Application Programming Interface (API) access and onboarded on the statewide UAS system at no cost, allowing initial flights on North Dakota’s unique statewide BVLOS infrastructure, along with access to Northern Plains UAS Test Site personnel and expertise.

"At least for the next year, the system is available for users to accelerate their ability to utilize advanced UAS capabilities, which are forthcoming with FAA rulemaking," said Trevor Woods, NPUASTS Executive Director. "The Vantis system today will help pre-lead the exercising of operators and aircraft to implement solutions for their use cases, such as agriculture, bridge inspections and medical services. The BVLOS infrastructure is in place – this is a unique opportunity to use it and take the next step in their operations.”

With early summer in North Dakota upon us, this timing allows UAS to take advantage of the state’s ideal flying season immediately, as well as winter and spring flight scenarios leading into 2027.

The NPUASTS will be working with industry partner, Thales, to onboard operators on Vantis – teaching them how to use the system and giving them API applications to fly successful missions using National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant aircraft.

“Thales and Vantis are advancing the FAA’s vision for safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace System,” said Susan Gallagher, Director of ATC, U.S. Sector, at Thales North America. “Together, we’re empowering operators to fly beyond the visual line of sight, unlocking critical access for emergency response and medical delivery and accelerating the future of aviation.”

Other advantages include access to the NPUASTS' Section 44803 approvals in the Vantis coverage areas, allowing partners to fly aircraft up to 1,320 pounds and at altitudes up to 17,999 feet mean sea level (msl) depending on location, greatly opening up possibilities and missions.

“North Dakota UAS has been an ‘overnight success’ for more than 20 years in the making. We have already engaged with other states and governmental agencies looking to set up similar systems in their areas,” Woods said. “To them we say, use what we’ve learned and have perfected in North Dakota to expand BVLOS flight everywhere. It’s time to achieve our UAS goals.”

 About Vantis

Vantis is North Dakota’s statewide unmanned aircraft system (UAS) beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) system, the first of its kind in the nation. Created by North Dakota with an initial investment in 2019, Vantis provides turnkey support to commercial and public UAS operators through infrastructure and regulatory approvals allowing applications and usability over a variety of industries. Visit VantisUAS.com for more information.

About the Northern Plains UAS Test Site 

As one of nine FAA-designated UAS Test Sites, the NPUASTS is committed to leading the nation in autonomous technology solutions. Our mission is to innovate, test, and advance these technologies, bringing tangible benefits to communities nationwide. Through high-quality research, commercialization of UAS technologies, and active participation in policy and standards development, the NPUASTS is at the forefront of integrating UAS into the National Airspace System. Visit npuasts.com for more information.