In First, North Dakota UAS Test Site Plugs Into FAA Radar Data

State’s Vantis network for UAS traffic management is using unfiltered radar data straight from the FAA.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, March 03, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

North Dakota’s Northern Plains UAS Test Site is the first nonfederal entity to gain access to unfiltered FAA radar data. [Credit: Thales]

Key Takeaways:

North Dakota has become the first nonfederal entity to manage uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) using unfiltered data directly from FAA radars, establishing itself as a national leader and model for UAS traffic management.
This pioneering capability is facilitated by the state's Vantis network, a secure statewide UAS traffic management system that enables safe testing and expansion of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, developed with partners like Thales.
The initiative is crucial for advancing safe, scalable drone operations and modernizing air traffic control, with federal provisions in place to replicate this radar data access model in other states.

See a mistake? Contact us.

North Dakota is taking the lead on integrating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)—from small drones to self-flying air taxis—through a first-of-its-kind arrangement with the FAA.

The state’s Northern Plains UAS Test Site—which oversees Vantis, a statewide UAS traffic management network—is now managing uncrewed drones using unfiltered data straight from the state’s four FAA radars, becoming the first nonfederal entity with that kind of access.