State of Oklahoma Launches First Investment in Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure

Lays Foundation for Long-Range Drone Flights and Extending State's Autonomous Flight Leadership

OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) has completed the selection process and executed a contract for the state's first investment in an airspace management system and automatic detect-and-avoid solution to support both drone flights and the rapidly emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.

ODAA has selected local company Vigilant Aerospace, based in Oklahoma City, to deploy this system on behalf of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA). 

This selection aims to develop the state as a national proving ground for both civilian and military drones and to pave the way for AAM operations like electric vertical takeoff air taxis and autonomous cargo aircraft.

Under the multi-year contract, Vigilant will deploy the first FlightHorizon system at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port at Clinton-Sherman Airport in partnership with OSIDA, which operates one of only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the United States. The project includes integration and management of multiple mobile air traffic surveillance radars and provides remote monitoring and Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) functions.

Through FlightHorizon, the state will have the ability to monitor airspace and track both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft, replacing visual observers (VOs) with electronic observers (EOs). When implemented, the system eliminates the need for a chase plane for long-range beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), including high-speed, high-altitude flights.

Funding for the project was provided by the Oklahoma Legislature in 2022 as a part of the Preserving Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) fund initiative with the desire to invest in UAS and AAM infrastructure to prepare OSIDA and other entities across the state for the integration of these new technologies. The project at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port located near Burns Flat in western Oklahoma will support ODAA's statewide goal of developing advanced autonomous aircraft operations and BVLOS flight testing of next-generation military and cargo UAS in the US National Airspace System. Because the system is mobile and can be redeployed throughout the state, it will serve as a launchpad to pioneer and establish procedures for AAM operations at multiple potential locations.

The core of the system is a scalable cloud-based software integrated with multiple air traffic surveillance radars manufactured by project partner, DeTect, Inc. In addition to mobile radar trailers, FlightHorizon also uses data from radars, aircraft transponders, drone telemetry, Remote ID drone beacons and online FAA data to provide a comprehensive picture of the airspace to remote pilots and airspace managers.

Quote from Grayson Ardies, Executive Director, ODAA
"This investment in systems and infrastructure for advanced air mobility and autonomous aircraft is one of several initiatives that demonstrate the state of Oklahoma's commitment to being a national leader on the cutting edge of aviation industry technology. The traditional aerospace and defense industry plays a critical role in the State's economy, and we are grateful for the opportunity to bring this new segment of the industry together with Oklahoma's pioneering spirit to ensure our state stays at the forefront of the national conversation to develop autonomous aviation systems."

Quote from Craig Smith, Executive Director, OSIDA
"The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority is proud to lead Oklahoma into a new era of investing in transformative technologies that will shape Oklahoma's future space and aeronautics industries," Smith said. "This partnership with Vigilant Aerospace underscores our commitment to making Oklahoma an industry leader in technology advancements and expanding the state's capabilities supporting the missions of current and future customers. OSIDA applauds the Oklahoma Legislature for supporting this important technology and is excited to promote their vision. Through this initiative, we are building the infrastructure that will enable the safe and efficient operation of autonomous aircraft, creating new opportunities for innovation, job growth, and economic development."

Quote from Kraettli Epperson, CEO, Vigilant Aerospace
"Oklahoma understands the importance of the autonomous aviation industry for the state and our nation and is taking the lead in this growing industry and ecosystem. Choosing a flexible, scalable solution that can support a wide range of military and commercial drone flights, and investing in the emerging AAM industry, Oklahoma is showing the nation a path forward. We are proud that our technology can serve as the cornerstone of this initiative and look forward to seeing FlightHorizon provide a new level of scalable, safe air traffic management in the State while providing opportunities for technological and economic development."

About the Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics serves as the lead government agency to support, promote, and advocate for the state's second largest industry, aviation and aerospace. This includes providing funding, planning, programming and engineering expertise for Oklahoma's airports and aviation infrastructure as well as ensuring the viability of the aerospace industry. The agency is responsible for the administration and/or coordination of a statewide system of airports, cooperating with and assisting local, state, and federal authorities in the development of aviation infrastructure and facilities, acting as the central resource point in state government for the up-and-coming Unmanned and Advanced Air Mobility sector, and fostering the success of the state's overall aerospace industry.  (https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace.html)

Aviation Industry Facts
The Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Industry produces just under $44 billion in annual economic activity, making it the second largest economic engine in Oklahoma. Three segments account for this total: Military aviation, $19.3 billion; off-airport aviation and aerospace businesses, $13.9 billion; and commercial and general aviation airports, $10.6 billion.  Aviation & Aerospace supports 206,000 jobs totaling a $11.7 billion payroll. The average salary in the industry is $73,300, making it one of the highest average salaries in the state.

Contacts:
Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics 
Sandra Shelton
Director of Government Affairs, Industry Development & Communications
O: (405) 604-6915
C: (405) 464-8830
[email protected]

Katelyn Wade
Marketing and Outreach Coordinator
C: (580) 665-0662
[email protected]

Vigilant Aerospace
P: +1 405.445.7224 x106
Follow us on LinkedIn @vigilantaero
[email protected]

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SOURCE Vigilant Aerospace