What's Happening?
AeroVironment, Inc. and CAL Analytics have announced the completion and initial operation of a new Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) airspace management facility at the National Advanced Air Mobility
Center of Excellence in Springfield, Ohio. This facility, developed in partnership with the U.S. Air Force and the Ohio Department of Transportation, integrates AeroVironment's AV_Halo™ COMMAND architecture with CAL Analytics' Advanced Air Mobility platform. The facility aims to provide a test environment for BVLOS missions, utilizing existing Federal Aviation Administration ground radar feeds. This initiative is part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of this BVLOS airspace management facility is significant as it sets a precedent for integrating uncrewed aircraft into existing airspace safely. This development is crucial for advancing air mobility corridors and shaping national BVLOS rules and integration standards. The facility provides real-world operational data and safety validation, which are essential for the Federal Aviation Administration as it defines future BVLOS rule-making. The project also supports economic development and technological advancement in air mobility, potentially reshaping transportation infrastructure across the U.S.
What's Next?
Pending full FAA approval, the facility will support local missions and real-time monitoring of UAS activity. Plans are underway to extend the system to enable corridors between Springfield and Columbus, Ohio, which will involve adding new radar sites and expanding detect-and-avoid coverage. This expansion aims to support broader BVLOS operations across Ohio and additional sites nationwide, further advancing the integration of autonomous systems into national airspace.
