CAL and AV provides GBDAA service to GrandSky

Sean Calhoun • August 12, 2026

CAL and AV Execute Multi-year Agreement with GrandSKY to Deliver Ground-Based Detect and Avoid for Group 1–5 BVLOS UAS Operations

[Grand Forks, ND — Aug 12, 2026] — CAL Analytics (“CAL”) and AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) today announced a signed agreement with GrandSKY, the nation's first commercial flight operations center for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at Grand Forks Air Force Base in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, to deploy an integrated ground-based detect and avoid (GBDAA) capability supporting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for UAS.


Under the agreement, CAL Analytics' Atlas Airspace Integration (AtlasAI) platform has been fully integrated with AV’s command-and-control software AV_Halo™ COMMAND to create a complete airspace management system allowing BVLOS operations across more than 11,000 square miles of approved coverage area. 


The combined system is designed to give operators continuous situational awareness and reliable, non-cooperative detect and avoid coverage. These capabilities are foundational to safely scaling routine BVLOS missions across the full range of UAS platforms, from small Group 1 systems to large Group 5 aircraft. The system will also be capable of ingesting multiple additional sensors allowing it to be networked to other locations and to integrate counter-UAS technologies to provide complete airspace awareness for traffic management and critical infrastructure defense.


The deployment builds on GrandSKY's established role as a testing, demonstration and operations hub for unmanned aviation and extends the type of ground-based sense-and-avoid work CAL and AV have previously advanced together across the country. This system builds upon GrandSKY’s experience utilizing GBDAA systems to support UAS operations dating back to the first BVLOS flight in 2018.

"GrandSKY is the perfect place to bring CAL and AV’s technology to help enable the routine BVLOS operations occurring there,” said Dr. Sean Calhoun, Founder and Managing Director at CAL Analytics. “This deployment showcases our ability to leverage existing National Airspace System (NAS) type surveillance sensors and integrate it with our own to provide a scalable and cost-effective solution for AAM."


"The future of UAS in the NAS depends on our ability to safely integrate autonomous aircraft at scale,” said Stephen Lloyd Senior Director of Command and Control (C2) and Tracking Systems at AV. “This deployment represents another step toward that future, creating the trusted infrastructure needed to unlock routine BVLOS operations for defense, public safety and commercial applications. As autonomy becomes central to national security and economic competitiveness, capabilities like this will help ensure the United States remains the global leader in advanced aviation."



“We’re excited to take this next step with CAL and AV. Both have been great partners working to develop comprehensive capabilities for GrandSKY that will enable merging traditional traffic management with counter UAS applications in a unified environment. To GrandSKY, GBDAA and counter UAS overlap extensively, knowing good from bad is the art, and the experience and systems CAL and AV bring to the table make it possible. As GrandSKY works with customers to develop infrastructure for logistics solutions the CAL/AV system gives us tremendous flexibility and opportunity. When we combine this system with the State of Norh Dakota’s Vantis network, we will be able to support military and civilian applications across the entire state. ”The GBDAA system is expected to support a range of activities at GrandSKY, including UAS test and evaluation, routine BVLOS missions, and UAS / cUAS demonstrations for military and commercial partners operating in shared airspace.

 

About CAL Analytics

CAL Analytics is a small business focusing on the development of aviation and autonomous systems. Located in Dayton, OH and founded in 2010, CAL has expertise in navigation systems, remote sensing, signal analysis, and information fusion. CAL is a leader in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, offering airspace management, mission management, detect and avoid, and in-time system-wide safety assurance (ISSA) solutions. Our mission is to provide agile and rigorous approaches to bring new technologies to the world.


About AV

AV is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo™, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.


About GrandSKY

GrandSKY is a UAS operations and mission integration platform anchored at Grand Forks Air Force Base and designed to support missions across a growing network of partner locations. Its 217-acre flagship facility provides access to more than 11,000 square miles of BVLOS-enabled airspace, the Air Force runway and tower, commercial infrastructure, and 24/7 operational support. GrandSKY enables advanced UAS operations, counter-UAS testing and demonstrations, AI computing at the edge, mission data processing, and the integration of emerging defense technologies. Through partnerships with government, industry, academia, and technology providers, GrandSKY brings together the locations, infrastructure, expertise, and operational environments needed to deliver mission integration and operational testing at the speed of relevance. For more information, visit grandskynd.com.


Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

CAL Secures FAA NTAP Acceptance for UTM Strategic Deconfliction

By Sean Calhoun • June 17, 2026
The milestone strengthens CAL’s AtlasAI platform for safer, scalable BVLOS drone operations under the FAA’s proposed Part 108 framework.

Ohio Advances Nation’s First Statewide Drone First Responder Program with Selection of Nine Public Safety Agencies

By Sean Calhoun • February 10, 2026
COLUMBUS, OH (February 9, 2026) — Ohio continues to lead the nation in modernizing emergency response with the selection of nine public safety agencies to participate in the Ohio Statewide Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program , a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to expand rapid aerial response capabilities across communities of all sizes. The program, led by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DriveOhio, with program management support from SkyfireAI, reflects Ohio’s commitment to equipping first responders with innovative tools that improve situational awareness, enhance officer and responder safety, and reduce emergency response times. The following agencies have been selected to participate in the pilot program: City of Springfield Police/Fire/EMS Athens Police Department Lima Police Department Toledo Police Department Violet Township Fire/EMS Austintown Fire Department City of Hamilton Police/Fire/EMS Amherst Police Department Kelleys Island Fire/EMS Together, these agencies represent a diverse cross-section of Ohio, spanning urban centers, suburban communities, and rural jurisdictions — reinforcing the program’s goal of ensuring access to advanced emergency response capabilities statewide. Many of the selected agencies have also committed to sharing drone resources with neighboring jurisdictions, further expanding the impact of this program. “Ohio is committed to giving our first responders the tools they need to protect lives and serve their communities safely and effectively,” said Governor Mike DeWine . “This statewide Drone First Responder pilot reflects Ohio’s leadership in innovation, our strong partnership with local agencies, and our focus on using technology responsibly to support public safety across the state.” Created under Ohio House Bill 96, the Ohio Statewide DFR Pilot Program enables participating agencies to deploy state-approved, NDAA-compliant drone systems capable of rapid launch, real-time video streaming to command staff, and integration into Ohio’s emerging uncrewed aircraft traffic management framework, led by Ohio-based CAL Analytics. “We are enthusiastic supporters of DFR program and thankful for the efforts of so many Ohio leaders to accelerate this program into the execution phase,” said State Representative Adam Holmes , who championed the program's inclusion in the bill. “The DFR program will greatly enhance first responder effectiveness and will provide increased support for all Ohioans. A tremendous capability for our priceless first responders.” “Ohio is leading the way for the nation with the first statewide DFR program! Our ODOT leaders are setting the stage for an integrated network of DFR assets that will undoubtedly save lives and resources and be a force-multiplier for our undermanned first responder organizations,” said State Representative Bernard Willis , Chair of the House Transportation Committee. “In Ohio, the HOME of aviation we are the BEST at making historic innovations with flying machines, and we will NEVER stop leading the way!” With technology known as drone-in-a-box, a drone can be launched from a permanent docking site and be flown remotely to a scene. These pre-positioned drones provide real-time visual information to aid decision-making, and some can also drop critical medical supplies to the scene of an emergency. The program emphasizes operational readiness, standardized training, and responsible use, while maintaining a strong focus on community engagement and transparency. “This program is about thoughtful implementation, not experimentation,” said Richard Fox, Director of the DriveOhio UAS Center . "By coordinating procurement, training, and regulatory support at the state level, Ohio is creating a scalable model that benfits communities of every size. We're grateful for the confidence the legislature has in ODOT to execute this groundbreaking program." SkyfireAI, a national leader in public safety drone program development and FAA regulatory integration, is supporting the initiative as program manager, working closely with ODOT, DriveOhio, and participating agencies to ensure consistent standards and successful deployment. “The selection of these nine agencies reflects the strength of Ohio’s public safety community and the seriousness with which this program has been approached,” said Don Mathis, Co-Founder and CEO SkyfireAI . "This pilot lays the foundation for how states can responsibly scale DFR programs today — and prepare for future capabilities as technology continues to evolve." Selected agencies will participate in a structured onboarding process beginning in early 2026, including hands-on vendor demonstrations, training, and program coordination. Operations are expected to begin in Spring 2026 and continue for approximately a year. The pilot program will evaluate operational effectiveness, response outcomes, and opportunities for future expansion. Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Pilot Program has already drawn national attention as a potential blueprint for other states seeking to modernize emergency response while maintaining strong governance, safety, and public trust. ### About CAL Analytics: CAL Analytics is a small business focusing on the development of aviation and autonomous systems. Located in Dayton, OH and founded in 2010, CAL has expertise in navigation systems, remote sensing, signal analysis, and information fusion. CAL is a leader in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, offering airspace management, mission management, detect and avoid, and in-time system-wide safety assurance (ISSA) solutions. Our mission is to provide agile and rigorous approaches to bring new technologies to the world. More information at calanalytics.com About SkyfireAI: SkyfireAI is an AI-native drone technology company redefining mission-scale autonomy for public safety, defense, and enterprise markets. Our cloud-connected and edge-enabled software platform powers autonomous swarming, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, and real-time AI analytics—unlocking faster response, smarter decision-making, and safer operations. Built for scalability, SkyfireAI’s solutions deliver repeatable, high-value outcomes across thousands of missions, positioning the company to capitalize on a rapidly expanding global uncrewed systems market projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030. More information is available at skyfireai.com . About ODOT’s DriveOhio Initiative: DriveOhio is the state’s center for smart mobility, advancing connected, automated, shared, and electric transportation. The UAS Center, located in Springfield, OH, is the statewide resource for uncrewed aircraft systems testing, integration, and operations.

CAL and AV Launch Operational BVLOS Airspace Management Facility in Partnership with the U.S. Air Force and Ohio Department of Transportation

By Sean Calhoun • January 28, 2026
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – January 27, 2026 – CAL Analytics, an innovator in advanced airspace management technologies, and AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader delivering software-enabled disruptive autonomous systems, today announced the completed installation and initial operation of a new Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) airspace management facility at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Springfield, Ohio. Initially developed under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the project now features an upgraded installation that integrates AV_Halo™ COMMAND, AV’s command and control (C2) architecture, with CAL Analytics’ Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) enterprise platform to establish the nation’s premiere test environment and management facility, where Department of War operators can safely conduct BVLOS missions in shared airspace utilizing existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ground radar feeds. “This installation establishes the blueprint for how airports and states across the country can safely integrate uncrewed aircraft into existing airspace,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “As the FAA defines the future of BVLOS rule-making, this facility provides the real-world operational data, safety validation, and interoperability framework regulators need. The system we’ve installed in Ohio isn’t just a mock-up or a test site — pending FAA approval it will be an operational and scalable model for nationwide deployment and the foundation for truly integrated air mobility.” The integration will support flight tests, evaluation, and day-to-day operations by routing AFRL’s access to the FAA’s ground-radar network through AV_Halo™ COMMAND — AV's modular, software-driven C2 architecture that fuses multiple enhanced sensor feeds, into a single, secure operating picture, giving operators continuous situational awareness for BVLOS mission planning and airspace safety. “AV_Halo is the connective tissue that turns a collection of sensors, radars, and platforms into a living, breathing airspace system,” said Stephen Lloyd, Senior Director C2, CUAS, and Tracking at AV. “By fusing FAA ground radar, and COTS surveillance sensors into a single, secure operating picture, AV_Halo delivers the assured visibility and machine-speed decision support needed for predictable BVLOS operations—and makes it possible to scale effortlessly from a single site to an entire statewide corridor.” When combined with CAL Analytics’ AAM enterprise platform, the system unifies radar and advanced DAA into a single real-time airspace view—enabling detect-and-avoid, extending autonomous BVLOS operations with precision and confidence. “Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations are the key to unlocking the next generation of air mobility,” said Dr. Sean Calhoun, Managing Director of CAL Analytics. “This facility will prove that BVLOS can be executed safely and reliably in shared airspace—and that matters because it sets the foundation for statewide corridors, national standards, and an entirely new layer of transportation infrastructure that will reshape how we move people, goods, data, and critical services across the country.” Pending full FAA approval, the facility will support local missions and real-time monitoring of UAS activity as AFRL, ODOT, the FAA, AV, and CAL Analytics collaborate to validate airspace-safety technologies, advance air-mobility corridors, drive economic development, and shape national BVLOS rules and integration standards. Plans are already underway to extend the system to enable corridors between Springfield and Columbus, Ohio, adding new radar sites and expanding detect-and-avoid coverage to support broader BVLOS operations across Ohio and additional sites nationwide.
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