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Commission awards $1.618 million BVLOS radar/airspace contract to Vigilant Aerospace to support drone testing
Summary
The commission approved a contract with Vigilant Aerospace Systems Inc. to install radar and airspace management equipment supporting beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft operations near Clinton‑Sherman Airport, a step aimed at enabling Kratos and others to reduce or eliminate chase‑plane requirements for drone testing.
The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission voted Oct. 9 to award a $1,618,000 contract to Vigilant Aerospace Systems Inc. to install radar and related airspace surveillance systems that would support beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft operations.
Director Ortiz told commissioners the contract is funded with state UAS infrastructure monies and funds from the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA). “This is a new era for our agency,” Ortiz said, describing the equipment as necessary infrastructure to “sense and avoid” nonparticipating aircraft where ADS‑B is not present.
Why it matters: BVLOS operations are a regulatory and technical threshold for many unmanned systems applications. Staff said the radar infrastructure would supplement ADS‑B coverage and help demonstrate a safety case to the Federal Aviation Administration that would permit BVLOS testing without a chase plane.
Project scope and purpose: Ortiz said the Phase‑1 build will establish a proof‑of‑concept “racetrack” in the sky for testing Kratos systems and other manufacturers. Kratos, which manufactures drones in Oklahoma City, previously relied on expensive chase planes for test flights; staff said the BVLOS infrastructure could reduce or eliminate that requirement.
Commission action: The commission approved entering the contract with Vigilant Aerospace Systems Inc. for $1,618,000. A roll call recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Seth Phillips, Chairman Charles Ortega, Commissioner Lindy Ritz, Vice Chair Blake Rainey and Commissioner Jerry Hunter. No no or abstentions were called.
Next steps: Staff said Vigilant will proceed with Phase‑1 installation and that the department will coordinate FAA approvals and testing protocols. Ortiz and staff said additional phases and partners may be brought forward as the program proceeds.
