Northern Plains UAS Test Site to support AURA’s FAA contract

The Northern Plains UAS tasting site is one of seven FAA-designated testing sites. | Source: NPUASTS

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site last week said it plans to support AURA Network Systems Inc.’s contract with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

AURA received an FAA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) contract to demonstrate and validate its technologies. The goal is to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS).

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) in Grand Forks, N.D., will work closely with AURA while it uses the site’s Nationwide Certificate of Authorization to demonstrate the company’s voice capabilities within the project.

“Our partnership with AURA is a vital step in advancing UAS technologies,” said Trevor Woods, executive director of NPUASTS. “Its innovative communications solutions are pivotal for the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace. We look forward to collaborating on this important project to enhance airspace operations and ensure safer skies.”

AURA said its mission includes qualitative and quantitative measurements of voice quality, intelligibility, and end-to-end latency. It plans to demonstrate that it can meet the voice latency requirements of RTCA DO-377B. Flights are planned in Mayville, N.D., about 40 mi. (64.3 km) south of Grand Forks Air Force Base.

McLean, Va.-based AURA (Advanced Ultra-Reliable Aviation) said it provides secure and reliable communications systems for the aviation industry. The company focuses on developing and deploying infrastructure systems to enhance autonomy and safety within the NAS. It designed its private network to enable the commercial viability of emerging technologies while helping operators comply with regulations.

AURA to test its ability to communicate with ATC

Communicating with air traffic control is crucial for safety and effectively integrating drones into U.S. airspace. | Source: NPUASTS

For the project, AURA will provide a voice relay that enables a remote pilot of an uncrewed aircraft to communicate with air traffic control (ATC) as if onboard the aircraft. This is a critical factor for safe and effective airspace integration.

AURA designed its network to provide command-and-control and voice services, using aviation-dedicated frequencies to enable beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights. The NPUASTS supports UAS flight testing, including BVLOS operations, and it offers access to facilities and assets throughout North Dakota.

“Our work with NPUASTS offers unparalleled opportunities to test and refine our communications solutions in a controlled yet expansive FAA-designated test environment,” said Kevin Steen, CEO of AURA. “We are eager to demonstrate how our technology can support the broader commercialization and safe operation of UAS across the nation.”

As one of seven FAA-designated UAS Test Sites, the NPUASTS said it is committed to leading the U.S. in autonomous technologies. Its mission is to innovate, test, and advance these technologies, bringing tangible benefits to communities nationwide. The test center added that it focuses on high-quality research, commercialization of UAS technologies, and active participation in policy and standards development.

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