Thales and Kelly Hills Introduce BVLOS Drone Network for Kansas Agriculture
Kansas BVLOS Drone Network to Support Agricultural Operations
The Kansas Department of Agriculture has partnered with Thales and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems to establish a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone network aimed at enhancing agricultural practices in the state. This initiative will facilitate crop spraying, scouting, fertilizing, and seeding operations.
Technological Framework and Implementation
Thales’s TopSky platform, which serves as an air traffic control automation system, will provide the necessary digital infrastructure for the network. TopSky is currently responsible for managing approximately 40 percent of global airspace and operates in over 100 countries.
Under this partnership, Kelly Hills will oversee the commercial deployment of the drone network, while Thales will ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for airspace integration. The program aims to create scalable BVLOS operations that could be adapted for various applications across the national airspace system.
Building on Existing Models
This initiative builds on Thales’s experience in North Dakota, where the Vantis network operates as the first FAA-approved data enclave for uncrewed aircraft systems. The Northern Plains UAS Test Site manages this network, which is designed to store, analyze, and protect sensitive flight data to facilitate national airspace integration.
The Kansas network will incorporate detect-and-avoid systems to mitigate risks to people, property, and other aircraft. Additionally, the precision application of fertilizers and pesticides is expected to minimize environmental impact while allowing farmers to cover larger areas more efficiently than traditional methods.
Statements from Company Leaders
Rob Geckle, CEO of Thales North America, emphasized the company’s commitment to applying its expertise in airspace management to the agricultural sector. He stated that the collaboration with Kelly Hills aims to unlock the potential of agricultural drones, enhancing precision and sustainability in farming practices.
Lukas Koch, CEO of Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, highlighted the mission to revolutionize rural skies through the integration of autonomous systems. He expressed confidence that this partnership will provide farmers in Kansas with advanced BVLOS tools, enabling them to operate more effectively and safely.