This article is based on an official press release from Vigilant Aerospace and public reporting.

Oklahoma Cements Status as Autonomous Aviation Hub with Advanced Air Traffic System

In a decisive move to secure its position as a national leader in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sector, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) has successfully deployed a cutting-edge air traffic management system at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port. The initiative, which began with a Contracts awarded to Oklahoma City-based Vigilant Aerospace in February 2025, utilizes the company’s FlightHorizon software to enable safe Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.

According to the official announcement, the project aims to replace traditional human “visual observers” with “electronic observers.” This shift allows unmanned aircraft to fly longer distances without the logistical burden of a chase plane, a capability essential for the commercial viability of drone delivery and advanced air mobility services. As of early 2026, reports indicate the system is fully operational and undergoing significant expansion.

Establishing a “Digital Twin” of the Airspace

The core of this infrastructure project is Vigilant Aerospace’s FlightHorizon command-and-control system. The Software creates a real-time “digital twin” of the airspace by fusing data from ground-based Radar-Systems and aircraft transponders. This allows operators to visualize and track air traffic across a vast area, ensuring that unmanned systems can safely coexist with general aviation.

NASA-Licensed Technology

The system’s reliability is rooted in its development history. FlightHorizon is built on two exclusively licensed NASA patents invented at the Armstrong Flight Research Center. According to technical specifications released regarding the project, these patents cover:

• Patent No. 9,405,005: Methods for integrating aircraft transponders into unmanned systems for collision avoidance.
• Patent No. 10,302,759: Technology that fuses radar data with other inputs, allowing the system to detect “non-cooperative” traffic, aircraft that are not broadcasting a transponder signal.

By acting as an automatic detect-and-avoid system, the software predicts flight trajectories and issues avoidance commands to pilots or autopilots, meeting critical FAA safety standards.

“Oklahoma understands the importance of the autonomous aviation industry for the state and our nation and is taking the lead… We are proud that our technology can serve as the cornerstone of this initiative.”

Kraettli Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace (Feb 2025)

Operational Status and Network Expansion

While the initial contract was signed in early 2025, recent updates confirm the project has moved rapidly into the execution phase. According to operational reports from September 2025, the system was successfully installed and active at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port in Burns Flat, one of only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the United States.

During live training exercises conducted in late 2025, the system demonstrated the ability to correlate data from mobile surveillance radars (provided by partner DeTect, Inc.) and ADS-B transponders. This capability allowed instructors to monitor live flights alongside virtual scenarios, validating the system’s utility for complex training environments.

Expanding the Safety Corridor

Following the successful initial deployment, the coverage area is currently being expanded. Data indicates the sensor network is growing from an initial 5,000 square kilometers to approximately 10,000 square kilometers. This massive corridor is designed to facilitate long-range autonomous flight testing, positioning Oklahoma as a prime location for aerospace companies preparing for future regulatory shifts.

Structurally, the state’s oversight of this sector has also evolved. In July 2025, the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) was merged into the ODAA, consolidating state aerospace and space oversight under a single agency to streamline operations and funding management.

AirPro News Analysis

The timing of Oklahoma’s investment, funded via the 2022 “Preserving Rural Economic Prosperity” (PREP) fund, appears strategically aligned with federal regulatory timelines. With the aviation industry anticipating the finalization of the FAA’s Part 108 rule in 2026, which will normalize BVLOS operations, Oklahoma is effectively building a “field of dreams” infrastructure.

By establishing the physical safety net (radars) and the digital framework (FlightHorizon) ahead of the rule, the state removes a significant capital barrier for private companies. Instead of building their own surveillance networks, Drones operators can plug into Oklahoma’s existing system. This approach not only attracts commercial drone delivery and air taxi firms but also complements Vigilant Aerospace’s growing portfolio, which includes a spot on a $46 billion U.S. Air-Forces contract awarded in June 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BVLOS?
BVLOS stands for Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight. It refers to drone operations where the pilot cannot see the aircraft with their naked eye. Safe BVLOS is required for long-distance applications like package delivery, infrastructure inspection, and agriculture.

Where is the system located?
The system is deployed at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port at Clinton-Sherman Airport in Burns Flat, Oklahoma.

Who funded this project?
The project was funded by the Oklahoma Legislature through the “Preserving Rural Economic Prosperity” (PREP) fund.

Sources

• Vigilant Aerospace Press Release
• UAS Magazine (Operational Report Sept 2025)
• Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics

This article is based on an official press release from Elroy Air and Barq Group.

Barq Group and Elroy Air Announce $200 Million Joint Venture to Manufacture Autonomous Cargo-Aircraft in Abu Dhabi

Barq Group, a leader in smart mobility based in the United Arab Emirates, and Elroy Air, a U.S. developer of autonomous aerospace technology, have signed an initial agreement to establish a joint venture (JV) valued at $200 million. The partnership focuses on establishing a Manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi to produce the Chaparral, a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) cargo aircraft.

According to the announcement, the joint venture aims to address the critical “middle-mile” logistics gap across the Middle East and North Africa (Middle-East) region. By localizing manufacturing, the companies intend to support the UAE’s strategic push for autonomous transport and industrial self-reliance.

Establishing a Regional Aerospace Hub

The agreement outlines a phased approach to introducing the Chaparral aircraft to the region. Under the terms of the deal, the joint venture will oversee flight operations, manufacturing, and aftermarket services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

The companies have set a clear timeline for deployment:

• 2027: Initial flight operations are scheduled to begin in the UAE utilizing aircraft manufactured in the United States.
• 2028: Full-scale local manufacturing of the Chaparral is expected to commence at the new facility in Abu Dhabi.

Ahmed AlMazrui, Co-founder and CEO of Barq Group, emphasized the scale of the commitment in a statement regarding the deal:

“This $200 million investment is more than a manufacturing agreement; it is a commitment to building a self-sustaining aerospace ecosystem in the UAE. The massive demand we are seeing from logistics providers across MENA makes it clear that local production is the only way to scale effectively.”

The project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster and the national “Make it in the Emirates” strategy, which prioritizes the development of local industrial capabilities.

The Chaparral: Specifications and Capabilities

The Chaparral is designed specifically for middle-mile logistics, the transport of goods between distribution centers or to remote locations, bypassing the need for traditional airports or ground infrastructure. Elroy Air describes the aircraft as a “lift + cruise” hybrid-electric VTOL system.

Key Technical Specifications

According to technical data released by Elroy Air, the Chaparral features:

• Payload Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg).
• Range: 300 miles (482 km).
• Propulsion: A hybrid-electric powertrain utilizing a turbine generator to charge batteries in-flight.
• Infrastructure Requirements: A landing zone of approximately 50 square feet (4.6 square meters).

A critical feature for the MENA region is the aircraft’s independence from electric charging infrastructure. Because the turbine generator charges the batteries during flight, the Chaparral does not require ground-based charging stations, enabling operations in remote deserts, offshore platforms, or mountainous terrain.

Dr. Andrew Clare, CEO of Elroy Air, highlighted the regional suitability of the aircraft:

“Demand for the Chaparral in the MENA region has been immense… Abu Dhabi is the ideal strategic hub for our first international manufacturing footprint.”

AirPro News Analysis

The “middle mile” is historically the most inefficient segment of the supply chain in the MENA region due to challenging geography and sparse infrastructure. Traditional cargo aircraft require runways that do not exist at many remote industrial sites, while ground transport is often slowed by indirect routes through deserts or archipelagos.

By deploying a VTOL system that requires zero airport infrastructure, this joint venture directly targets these inefficiencies. Furthermore, the hybrid powertrain distinguishes the Chaparral from purely electric competitors, which may struggle in regions lacking robust electrical grids at every delivery point. This move also positions Barq Group and Elroy Air to compete with other emerging players in the region, such as Dronamics, which has also secured agreements in the UAE.

Company Backgrounds and Market Position

Barq Group is the Abu Dhabi-based smart mobility arm of the larger conglomerate, distinct from other entities sharing the name in the region. Since launching its mobility division in April 2023, Barq has focused on eco-friendly transport solutions, previously signing agreements for ground-based electric delivery vehicles. This JV marks a significant expansion into aerial logistics.

Elroy Air, headquartered in South San Francisco, was founded in 2016. The company reports a commercial order backlog exceeding $3 billion, representing over 1,000 aircraft, with interest from major global customers including FedEx and Bristow Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the joint venture?
The agreement represents a $200 million investment to build a manufacturing facility and establish operations in Abu Dhabi.

When will the aircraft begin flying in the UAE?
Flight operations using U.S.-built aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027, with locally manufactured aircraft entering service in 2028.

Does the Chaparral require charging stations?
No. The aircraft uses a hybrid-electric powertrain where a turbine generator charges the batteries in-flight, eliminating the need for ground charging infrastructure.

Sources

• Elroy Air Press Release

China’s Tianma-1000 Heavy-Lift Cargo Drones Completes Maiden-Flight

On Sunday, January 11, 2026, China successfully conducted the maiden flight of the “Tianma-1000” unmanned transport aircraft. According to reporting by CGTN, the aircraft was developed by Xi’an ASN Technology Group Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the state-owned defense contractor China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco). The flight test, conducted at an airport in Shaanxi Province, marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to expand its “low-altitude economy.”

The Tianma-1000 is designed to serve as a multi-role platform, integrating logistics transport, emergency rescue capabilities, and supply drop functions. State media reports indicate that the successful flight verified the aircraft’s aerodynamic design and control systems, clearing the way for further development in complex terrain operations.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

Data regarding the Tianma-1000 highlights its positioning as a heavy-lift solution intended to bridge the gap between small delivery drones and traditional manned cargo planes. According to technical specifications released in conjunction with the flight, the aircraft features a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms (1 metric ton) and a maximum range of 1,800 kilometers.

Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) Performance

A defining feature of the Tianma-1000 is its Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capability. Unlike systems requiring standard airport infrastructure, this aircraft is engineered to operate from unpaved surfaces such as grass or compacted dirt. Technical reports state that the aircraft requires a runway length of less than 200 meters to take off or land. This capability is specifically aimed at facilitating operations in remote areas, including high-altitude plateaus and mountainous regions where long concrete runways are unavailable.

Operational Efficiency

To support rapid logistics, the aircraft incorporates an intelligent loading system. Developer data suggests that the AI-assisted mechanism allows for the loading or unloading of its full 1-ton payload in approximately five minutes. Furthermore, the fuselage utilizes a modular “quick-swap” design, enabling operators to switch between standard logistics transport and airdrop modes depending on mission requirements.

Strategic Context and Developer Background

The development of the Tianma-1000 underscores the growing intersection between military and civilian aerospace technology in China. The developer, Xi’an ASN Technology Group, is recognized as a dominant player in the domestic UAV market and is the largest drone production base in the country. Its parent company, Norinco, is a major state-owned defense contractor traditionally known for land systems.

According to industry analysis referenced in reports surrounding the Launch, the Tianma-1000 is part of a broader national push to develop a “low-altitude economy”, a sector that Beijing estimates could be valued at 2 trillion yuan by 2030. The aircraft joins a competitive field of domestic heavy-lift drones, including the TP1000 and AT200, all vying for market share in the “middle-mile” logistics sector.

AirPro News Analysis

The Case for STOL over VTOL

While many Western competitors in the autonomous cargo sector, such as Elroy Air or Sabrewing, have prioritized Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capabilities to eliminate runway requirements entirely, the Tianma-1000 represents a different engineering philosophy. By opting for a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) configuration, Chinese engineers appear to be prioritizing payload efficiency and range over vertical versatility.

VTOL systems require heavy lifting rotors and complex propulsion systems that often consume significant fuel and reduce overall cargo capacity. In contrast, the Tianma-1000’s fixed-wing design with STOL capabilities allows it to carry a substantial 1-ton payload over 1,800 kilometers while maintaining a simpler mechanical profile. For operations in China’s western regions, where flat strips of land (200 meters) are generally available even in remote areas, this trade-off offers a pragmatic, cost-effective solution for middle-mile logistics.

Global Comparison

The Tianma-1000 enters a global market populated by several emerging heavy-lift autonomous aircraft. Its specifications place it in direct competition with international platforms, though with distinct operational profiles.

• Tianma-1000 (China): 1,000 kg payload, 1,800 km range, STOL (<200m).
• Sabrewing Rhaegal-B (USA): ~2,400 kg payload, 1,800 km range, VTOL.
• Dronamics Black Swan (Europe): 350 kg payload, 2,500 km range, requires 400m runway.

The Tianma-1000’s service ceiling of 8,000 meters also distinguishes it, suggesting a specific design focus on high-altitude operations suitable for the Tibetan Plateau and other mountainous frontiers.

Sources

• CGTN
• Xinhua News Agency
• Norinco / Xi’an ASN Technology Group