The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is set to collaborate with AURA Network Systems Inc. in a significant effort to support the company’s contract with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. This joint initiative aims to advance the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System. Leveraging the test site’s extensive facilities, both organizations are poised to make substantial contributions to the future of drone operations.
Earlier collaborations in the UAV sector primarily concentrated on flight safety and performance metrics. This new partnership shifts the focus towards enhancing communication infrastructures, addressing a critical component necessary for the seamless incorporation of drones into existing air traffic frameworks.
What Are AURA’s Objectives Under the FAA Contract?
AURA secured a contract through the FAA Broad Agency Announcement to demonstrate and validate its cutting-edge communication technologies. The initiative seeks to ensure that unmanned aircraft can safely coexist with manned aircraft by providing reliable voice communication solutions tailored for UAS operations.
How Will NPUASTS Facilitate AURA’s Demonstrations?
The Northern Plains UAS Test Site will utilize its Nationwide Certificate of Authorization to support AURA’s testing activities. This includes deploying AURA’s voice relay systems, enabling remote pilots to communicate with air traffic control as if they were onboard the aircraft, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
What Impact Will This Partnership Have on UAS Integration?
“Our partnership with AURA is a vital step in advancing UAS technologies,”
stated Trevor Woods, executive director of NPUASTS. The collaboration is expected to significantly improve communication reliability and reduce latency in UAS operations, aligning with RTCA DO-377B standards. Additionally, AURA CEO Kevin Steen remarked,
“Our work with NPUASTS offers unparalleled opportunities to test and refine our communications solutions in a controlled yet expansive FAA-designated test environment.”
These advancements are crucial for the broader commercialization and safe operation of drones across the nation.
The joint effort between Northern Plains UAS Test Site and AURA Network Systems represents a strategic move towards enhancing the communication capabilities of unmanned aircraft. By focusing on voice quality, intelligibility, and latency, the partnership addresses key challenges in UAS integration, paving the way for more reliable and widespread drone usage in various sectors.
As one of seven FAA-designated UAS Test Sites, NPUASTS continues to lead in the development and testing of autonomous technologies. This partnership underscores the importance of robust communication systems in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of drones, ultimately contributing to the modernization of the national airspace system.
