FlightHorizon PILOT-C
The Problem
Commercial UAS operators need reliable, real-time awareness of nearby air traffic to support safe BVLOS operations. But depending only on ADS-B In or ground infrastructure can leave gaps, add latency, and reduce confidence when traffic is non-cooperative or coverage is inconsistent.
The Solution
FlightHorizon PILOT-C brings detect-and-avoid onboard the aircraft. It connects directly to ownship telemetry, ADS-B In, and onboard radar to build a single, correlated air picture in real time. The system detects conflict risks and provides pilot-in-the-loop resolution advisories, giving operators a clearer view of surrounding traffic and faster decision support without relying on external sensor aggregation.
Aircraft and drone positions on one live map
Get a near real-time 3D air picture that tracks surrounding traffic and visualizes relative position.
Detect and Identify Conflicts
Use ADS-B In to identify cooperative aircraft.
Generate Resolution Advisories
Get live information on airspeed, altitude, heading, and resolution advisories for review.
Onboard System
System allows UAS to carry their own onboard DAA system
Platform Agnostic
works on any aircraft capable of carrying non-cooperative air traffic sensors; Highly compact system, low-power DAA computer thats configurable to most airframes
Product Highlights
"Safety-As-A-Service"
- Industry leading experience in design, development, installation, and validation of DAA systems.
- Applies across multiple aircraft types and operational profiles.
- Reduces integration complexity, delivery risk, and total project cost.
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Platform Agnostic
- Uses a highly compact form factor.
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Runs on a low-power DAA computer.
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Configurable across most airframes and operational environments.
Plug-And-Play Integration
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Supports ADS-B In receivers and compatible transponders.
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Integrates via Ethernet and/or USB, depending on hardware configuration.
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Enables rapid, flexible integration across platforms.
What FlightHorizon PILOT-C Does
- Maintains a real-time onboard air picture
- Correlate cooperative and non-cooperative traffic into unified tracks
- Evaluate “well clear” conditions and generate operator-reviewed advisories
- Support commercial flight test and operational readiness activities
- Provide a pathway to headless operation and Ground Control Station (GCS) streaming
Where It’s Used
- Test and training ranges. Supports mixed crewed and uncrewed traffic environments.
- Commercial BVLOS missions. Provides onboard separation support where ground infrastructure is limited.
- Chase aircraft support. Improves air picture continuity during developmental flights.
- Autonomy risk reduction. Supports safety cases for advanced concepts of operation (CONOPS).
Integration And Deployment
FlightHorizon PILOT-C is designed for integration on commercial UAS platforms and chase aircraft.
Connectivity supports onboard networks and common telemetry architectures. Inputs can include cooperative surveillance and non-cooperative sensing. Vigilant Aerospace Systems supports integration, configuration, and flight test validation.
Selected Deployments
Trans-Alaska Pipeline FAA Flights
FlightHorizon PILOT was used to enable and support BVLOS flight testing by providing an onboard, multi-sensor detect-and-avoid capability with radar, ADS-B in, and autopilot integration for Part 107 waiver and FAA-sponsored operations during authorized flights along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline with ACUASI.
NOAA Drone Weather Tracking
FlightHorizon PILOT-C provided airspace awareness and DAA support for the NOAA drone tracking project at the University of Oklahoma Weather Station, enabling real-time monitoring of surrounding traffic during flight operations.