Multi-Sensor Airspace Management System Deployed at Oklahoma Air & Space Port

Why It Matters

The system removes the need for chase planes, cutting costs and accelerating autonomous flight certification, while bolstering Oklahoma’s competitive edge in the emerging UAM and defense testing market.

Key Takeaways

• FlightHorizon TEMPO covers 5,000 km², expanding to 10,000 km²
• Enables BVLOS testing for military drones and autonomous spacecraft
• SaaS platform provides real‑time detect‑and‑avoid and traffic logging
• Funding sourced from OSIDA PREP fund supports state aerospace strategy

Pulse Analysis

Airspace management is a critical bottleneck for the rapid growth of unmanned and autonomous flight. Traditional visual‑line‑of‑sight constraints and the reliance on chase aircraft inflate testing costs and limit scalability. Modern UTM solutions combine radar, ADS‑B and cloud‑based analytics to create a shared situational picture, delivering the detect‑and‑avoid capabilities regulators now expect for beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight operations.

Oklahoma’s deployment of Vigilant Aerospace’s FlightHorizon TEMPO illustrates how a regional hub can leapfrog these challenges. By installing three DeTect surveillance radars—soon to be seven—the state already monitors 5,000 km² of airspace, with plans to double coverage to 10,000 km². The system’s SaaS architecture aggregates data from cooperative transponders and non‑cooperative radars, offering operators real‑time traffic displays, automated logging, and compliance‑ready records. Backed by the OSIDA PREP fund, the project underscores public‑private collaboration aimed at attracting both commercial UAM developers and defense contractors.

The broader impact reaches beyond test flights. A scalable, standards‑based network enables safe integration of high‑speed military drones, cargo UAS, and future air‑taxis, while also supporting public‑interest missions such as search‑and‑rescue and disaster monitoring. As the Mk‑II Aurora spaceplane prepares for 2027 trials, Oklahoma positions itself as a template for other states seeking to create connected, multi‑sensor test ranges. The resulting ecosystem promises faster certification cycles, reduced operational expenses, and a stronger competitive posture for U.S. autonomous aerospace innovation.