Oklahoma Invests in Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure
The US state of Oklahoma has taken a significant leap forward in aviation technology by investing in an airspace management system and automatic detect-and-avoid solution. The initiative, led by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), marks the state's first investment in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, which supports drone flights and autonomous aircraft operations.
ODAA has awarded a contract to Oklahoma City-based Vigilant Aerospace to implement the system, which will be deployed at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port at Clinton-Sherman Airport in partnership with the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA).
The goal is to establish Oklahoma as a national hub for both civilian and military drone operations while paving the way for electric vertical takeoff air taxis and autonomous cargo aircraft.
A technological milestone for autonomous flight
Under the multi-year contract, Vigilant Aerospace will install the FlightHorizon system, a scalable air traffic management solution that integrates multiple mobile air traffic surveillance radars.
The system enables remote monitoring and uncrewed traffic management (UTM) functions, allowing Oklahoma to track cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft without human visual observers (VOs).
Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of ODAA, states: "This investment in systems and infrastructure for advanced air mobility and autonomous aircraft is one of several initiatives that demonstrate the state of Oklahoma's commitment to being a national leader on the cutting edge of aviation industry technology."
Implementing FlightHorizon eliminates the necessity for chasing planes during beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights, enabling high-speed, high-altitude uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operations across the state.
Legislative support and economic development
The Oklahoma Legislature allocated funding for the initiative in 2022 as part of the Preserving Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) fund. The investment aims to position OSIDA and other state agencies at the forefront of UAS and AAM infrastructure development, ensuring the seamless integration of next-generation aircraft into national airspace.
The system, designed for mobility, can be deployed at multiple locations across the state. The capability allows for expanded AAM operations while supporting the growth of military and cargo drone testing.
"The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority is proud to lead Oklahoma into a new era of investing in transformative technologies that will shape Oklahoma's future space and aeronautics industries," says Craig Smith, Executive Director of OSIDA.
"This partnership with Vigilant Aerospace underscores our commitment to making Oklahoma an industry leader in technology advancements."
FlightHorizon: The future of air traffic management
At the initiative's core is FlightHorizon, a cloud-based software solution that integrates data from radars, aircraft transponders, drone telemetry, Remote ID beacons and FAA databases.
Developed in collaboration with radar manufacturer DeTect, Inc., the system provides airspace managers with a comprehensive, real-time view of aerial activity, ensuring safer and more efficient air traffic management.
"Oklahoma understands the importance of the autonomous aviation industry for the state and our nation and is taking the lead in this growing industry and ecosystem," adds Kraettli Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace.
"Choosing a flexible, scalable solution that can support a wide range of military and commercial drone flights, Oklahoma is showing the nation a path forward."
Oklahoma's commitment to aerospace innovation
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics serves as the lead agency for promoting the state's aviation industry. The industry is the second-largest economic driver, generating nearly US$44bn in annual activity.
The sector supports 206,000 jobs with an average salary of US$73,300, making it one of the most lucrative industries in the state.
By pioneering advancements in autonomous aviation, Oklahoma is strengthening its role as a national leader in aerospace innovation. Through strategic investments in AAM infrastructure, the state aims to shape the future of air transportation, opening new doors for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancements.
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