NUAIR's Vision for the Future of Aviation The Hochul administration is committed to shaping the Next Generation Aviation Strategic Plan for New York. This initiative aims to position New York as a leader in aviation innovation. NUAIR is excited to be part of this transformative journey. Recently, I joined David Lombardo on The Capitol Pressroom to discuss the future of this dynamic field. Understanding the Strategic Plan The Next Generation Aviation Strategic Plan is more than just a document. It represents a vision for the future of aviation in New York. This plan will guide the integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) into our national airspace. The goal is clear: to foster growth and innovation in this exciting sector. The Importance of UAS and AAM Uncrewed aircraft systems and advanced air mobility are revolutionizing the way we think about transportation. These technologies offer new possibilities for businesses and government agencies. They can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety. Imagine a world where drones deliver packages, and air taxis transport people across cities. This is not just a dream; it is becoming a reality. NUAIR's Commitment to Safety and Innovation At NUAIR, we prioritize safety and innovation. We understand the challenges that come with integrating new technologies into our airspace. That's why we are dedicated to developing robust safety protocols and operational frameworks. Our mission is to ensure that UAS and AAM can operate safely alongside traditional aircraft. Collaboration is Key Collaboration is essential for success in this industry. We work closely with government agencies, industry leaders, and research institutions. Together, we can address the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. By fostering partnerships, we can create a thriving ecosystem for UAS and AAM. Looking Ahead As we look to the future, the potential for UAS and AAM is limitless. The Next Generation Aviation Strategic Plan will be a crucial step in realizing this potential. I am excited to be part of this journey and to contribute to the growth of this industry. In conclusion, the future of aviation is bright. With the right strategies and collaborations, we can safely bring uncrewed aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into our national airspace. Let's embrace this opportunity and work together to innovate and grow in this thrilling new field.

SYRACUSE, NY – October 7, 2025 – NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) today announced it submitted formal comments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on “Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations” . NUAIR's Commitment to Safe Integration NUAIR’s submission reinforces its commitment to the safe integration of drone operations into the national airspace . We are advancing secure and scalable UAS capabilities. Moreover, we emphasize the critical importance of collaboration between industry and government in realizing this vision. “Unlocking the benefits of BVLOS operations requires more than technology alone – it demands alignment across federal regulators, industry innovators, and public safety stakeholders,” said Ken Stewart, CEO & President at NUAIR . “We are proud to contribute our perspective, drawing from more than a decade of operational experience and partnerships across the public and private sector.” Strong Partnerships Fuel Progress NUAIR credits the progress of its work to strong partnerships with federal, state, and industry stakeholders. This includes the FAA, which recently granted NUAIR a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to support routine BVLOS operations through its safety infrastructure. The LOA marks a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations. It demonstrates the FAA’s trust in NUAIR’s proven capabilities. Building on our management of one of the nation’s most advanced instrumented operational airspaces, NUAIR continues to collaborate with organizations across aviation, defense, emergency response, and industry associations. We are shaping the future of low-altitude operations. NUAIR also supports the broader drone ecosystem by engaging with national organizations such as the Commercial Drone Alliance . We align with shared recommendations to streamline regulatory pathways while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security . The Future of Airspace Innovation “Collaboration and safety are the foundation of airspace innovation,” Stewart continued. “The NPRM represents an important opportunity to ensure the U.S. leads the world in building a secure, efficient, and scalable drone ecosystem. NUAIR looks forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with the FAA, TSA, and our many partners to make that future a reality.” Read NUAIR's full comments here . About NUAIR NUAIR is a nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace. With support from Empire State Development and the State of New York, NUAIR is empowering and enabling the next generation of aviation. With a rich history performing UAS testing and validation, investing in local and state economic development, and training public safety elite, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. (NUAIR) is proud to be the catalyst for not only New York’s airspace innovation but also mobility advancement around the globe. Learn more at www.nuair.org . NUAIR. Where Next Takes Flight. Media Inquiries For media inquiries, please contact us at marketing@NUAIR.org . The Importance of UAS in Today's World Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) are transforming industries. They enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety. As we integrate these technologies into our national airspace, we must prioritize safety and collaboration. The Role of Government in UAS Integration Government agencies play a crucial role in UAS integration. They establish regulations that ensure safety and promote innovation. By working together, we can create a regulatory framework that supports growth while protecting public safety. Future Innovations in UAS Technology The future of UAS technology is bright. Innovations are emerging daily. From advanced sensors to AI-driven systems, the potential is limitless. We must embrace these advancements to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Conclusion: A Call to Action As we look to the future, we must remain committed to collaboration and safety. Together, we can build a robust UAS ecosystem that benefits everyone. Let's work hand-in-hand to make this vision a reality. The future of aviation is here, and it’s time to take flight!

Static, controlled runs hide the hard parts: clutter, weather, adjacent RF, moving targets, and handoffs between sensors and operators. A scoreboard forces you to measure what matters, compare apples to apples, and create an evidence trail others can verify. The Five Metrics That Matter Probability of Detection (PD) & False-Alarm Rate (FAR) Report both together. Break out by target class, range band, and clutter level. FAR without PD is meaningless; PD without FAR can be dangerous. Track Continuity Can you keep custody through maneuvers, occlusions, and cross-sensor handoffs? Continuity is the operator's reality check and the backbone of a trusted "single track." Use standard multi-target tracking metrics (e.g., OSPA/GOSPA and trajectory sets) to quantify this rigorously. Time-to-Effect (TTE) How long from first valid detection to the decision you intend: classification, alert, cue, or handoff to a response play? TTE reveals whether your workflow actually helps the operator, not just the model. Geolocation Accuracy (CEP/R95) Report circular error probabilities using ground truth. Accuracy—especially in urban canyons or GNSS-degraded conditions— determines whether a mitigation or deconfliction action is safe and lawful. Operator Load Count alerts per hour, acknowledgments, interventions, and error rates. A system that overloads the operator ultimately lowers PD and raises FAR when it matters most. Trust, By Design Publish how you measured (clock sync, ground truth, retention, etc.) so others can verify the results. Transparency builds trust. What "Good" Looks Like (Bands, Not Absolutes) PD/FAR: Publish ranges by class and clutter (e.g., PD 0.9–0.97 / FAR 0.003–0.01 in open field; lower PD, higher FAR in heavy clutter). Continuity: Show percentage of tracks maintained through specific events (turns, occlusions, sensor handoffs). TTE: Break out by decision type (first classify, alert routed, cue delivered). CEP/R95: Report by range band and environment; include GNSS-degraded runs. Operator Load: Aim for stable alert rates with low interventions under stress. The point isn't to chase perfect numbers—it's to publish honest, comparable bands tied to the environment and test design . NUAIR Defense: Your Advantage This is where NUAIR Defense becomes your advantage. We help teams prove multi-sensor C-UAS performance with instrumented, repeatable field runs that stand up to scrutiny. Our team designs the scenarios, syncs clocks, establishes ground truth, and captures raw detections, fused tracks, and operator actions in open exports. We deliver the scoreboard and concise AAR bundle that leaders trust and auditors respect. Trust, by design: privacy-first data, clear authorities, auditable logs, repeatable results. When you partner with NUAIR Defense, you're not just running a demo; you're generating decision-quality evidence. The Future of UAS and AAM As we look ahead, the integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) into our national airspace will revolutionize industries. The potential for innovation is immense. Companies and agencies must embrace this change. Embracing Innovation Innovation is at the heart of progress. By adopting advanced technologies, we can enhance safety and efficiency. The UAS and AAM sectors are ripe for growth. Are you ready to seize the opportunity? Building a Collaborative Ecosystem Collaboration is key. By working together, we can create a robust ecosystem that supports the safe integration of UAS and AAM. Sharing knowledge and resources will pave the way for success. Conclusion The future is bright for UAS and AAM. With NUAIR Defense by your side, you can navigate this exciting landscape. Together, we will lead the charge in safely bringing these technologies into our skies. ABOUT NUAIR Defense NUAIR Defense is the defense division of NUAIR, marrying commercial innovation with rapid-deployment defense systems. We deliver a fused, vendor-agnostic services stack—taking tech from validation & certification to real-time operations and sustainment—that enables layered, mobile counter-UAS and advanced air-mobility defense architectures. Email contact@NUAIRDefense.org to schedule an operational validation sprint.

Advanced airspace coordination transforms what could be chaotic into seamless operations. When an incident requires rapid response, state police drones provide instant aerial intelligence. Fire department UAS safely assess environmental hazards. Medical helicopters land efficiently through coordinated approach protocols. News aircraft capture important public information from designated areas. This single scenario demonstrates how integrated airspace management creates opportunities for enhanced public safety and better emergency response. By coordinating with land and air traffic, we turn a complex scenario into a coordinated success story. In our previous post, Achieving a Common Operating Air Picture: The Future of Emergency Response , we made the case for why public safety agencies need Common Operating Picture (COP) capabilities. Today, let's explore the multiplier effect when that vision scales beyond single departments to transform how entire communities operate in four-dimensional airspace. When multiple agencies share a common operating picture, the benefits multiply exponentially. Real-Time Multi-Agency Collaboration Emergency response agencies still struggle to communicate effectively during incidents, both on the ground and in the sky. New York State alone has 62 counties with 11 different Computer Aided Dispatch systems , plus different mapping software and operational protocols. Even when agencies train together, technology often forces them apart when it matters most. A COP eliminates these barriers by creating a shared coordination foundation. When police, fire, and EMS see the same airspace picture, they can coordinate with precision instead of relying on estimation. Fire department ladder operations don't conflict with police drone surveillance because both teams see the same operational boundaries in real-time. This coordination extends beyond traditional first responders. Medical helicopters needing emergency landing zones can see exactly where ground operations are deployed. News helicopters integrate into operational pictures rather than creating coordination challenges. Communities implementing comprehensive COP systems report dramatic coordination improvements and measurable response time reductions . When responders spend less time figuring out who's where, they can focus on what truly matters: responding effectively. The Community Investment Case Community-wide COP systems deliver measurable economic benefits that justify investment. There's resource optimization—rather than every agency maintaining separate Airspace Awareness capabilities, communities can share assets across departments. NUAIR's scalable integration with existing Uncrewed Traffic Management systems provides one operating picture for all , eliminating guessing games. Real economic value comes from enabling safe commercial operations. Delivery drones, infrastructure inspection, agricultural monitoring, and real estate photography all depend on predictable, coordinated airspace management. Communities with a comprehensive COP infrastructure support these economic activities safely, creating a foundation for local business growth. Consider the framework for advanced air mobility. As air taxis and automated emergency aircraft become operational, communities with existing COP networks can integrate these capabilities safely and seamlessly. Those without could face years of costly retrofitting, operational limitations, and safety constraints. When businesses know they can operate safely in coordinated airspace, they invest in drone-based services. When emergency responders coordinate effectively with commercial operations, both sectors operate more efficiently. When communities demonstrate sophisticated airspace management, they attract aviation-related businesses and federal partnerships. Major Event Response Major incidents reveal the true value of community-wide coordination during emergency response and critical recovery periods. During large-scale incidents, the difference between isolated operations and comprehensive coordination could be the difference between life and death. Consider a large-scale flash flood that requires multi-jurisdictional evacuation. Without a COP, overlapping drone operations, communication conflicts, dangerous airspace congestion, and overall situational danger could easily result in disaster. With a wide-range COP, the incident unfolds differently. Real-time evacuation coordination is seamless across jurisdictions. Medical transport integrates with tactical operations. Environmental monitoring drones coordinate with ground teams for comprehensive risk assessments. Post-event recovery represents where COP networks deliver significant long-term value. Comprehensive incident reconstruction becomes possible when all aerial operations are recorded through a single system. Instead of piecing together fragmented agency reports, emergency managers analyze complete operational pictures to understand exactly what happened and why. A COP drives improved preparedness. Communities identify coordination gaps, optimize flight patterns, and improve resource allocation. Joint training becomes realistic because agencies practice with systems they'll use during actual incidents. The Network Advantage Most communities think about a COP as individual agency technology rather than community infrastructure. That's like building unconnected traffic lights—they work individually but can't create coordinated flow, making traffic management effective. NUAIR's 1,900 square miles of FAA-authorized BVLOS airspace demonstrates what's possible when Airspace Awareness operates at scale. Instead of isolated operations, we achieve comprehensive management that supports routine public safety through advanced training, research, and development activities. Commercial operators integrate safely with public safety. Federal partners coordinate seamlessly with local agencies. Airspace Awareness creates network value. Each additional agency joining increases value for everyone participating. Criminals can't escape between coordinated jurisdictions. Emergency responders follow incidents across county lines without losing operational awareness. Commercial operations scale regionally because coordination is standardized. The Path to Implementation The foundation exists today. Public safety agencies operate drones. Emergency management coordinates multi-agency responses. The missing piece is shared Airspace Awareness, transforming isolated operations into a cohesive and coordinated low-altitude network. NUAIR's experience offers an implementation roadmap: Start with existing capabilities. Build interoperability through compatible technology. Develop shared protocols that respect agency autonomy while enabling coordination. Scale systematically from individual operations to network-level awareness. The goal isn't to replace existing capabilities; it's to connect them to multiply effectiveness and create new possibilities for community safety and economic development. As Airspace Awareness becomes routine for community operations, the distinction between forward-thinking and status-quo communities will be measured. Those building comprehensive COP capabilities today will define how public safety, economic development, and community resilience operate in the vertical world we're entering. The question isn't whether communities need comprehensive Airspace Awareness. It's whether they'll build it proactively or reactively. ---wix---

The 174th Attack Wing of the New York Air National Guard reached a milestone in U.S. airspace protection by flying an MQ-9 Reaper using a Federal Aviation Administration-approved civilian surveillance network operated by the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance. The flight marked the first time the wing operated the aircraft in the National Airspace System using a privately operated civilian network.

FAA-approved third-party infrastructure proves ready for national deployment as Task Force priorities take shape. SYRACUSE, NY – December 2, 2025 – In a demonstration directly aligned with the White House Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty , the 174th Attack Wing of the New York Air National Guard successfully operated its MQ-9 Reaper using NUAIR's FAA-approved surveillance network. Building on its recent Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the FAA , this historic flight validates a critical capability at a pivotal moment for national airspace security and modernization. The timing could not be more significant. As FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford pushes for a revolutionary new air traffic control system and the Department of Transportation accelerates its modernization agenda , NUAIR's FAA-accepted network demonstrates that third-party surveillance providers can deliver both the security and scalability America needs – today.   Answering the White House Call for Airspace Sovereignty "This demonstration directly addresses the White House mandate to restore American airspace sovereignty," said Ken Stewart, President and CEO of NUAIR . "Our surveillance network doesn't just integrate unmanned aircraft – it actively identifies and tracks both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft, providing the comprehensive domain awareness that national security demands." The network's dual capability addresses an urgent national need. As the country prepares for major international events and faces evolving security challenges, NUAIR's technology offers a proven solution for counter-UAS operations that has become a top federal priority.   From Military Operations to National Infrastructure “The 174th has a long-standing history in the Central New York region and is proud to be a part of the innovation legacy here,” said Brigadier General John O’Connor, Commander of the 174th Attack Wing . “We look forward to working together with NUAIR to keep Syracuse’s airspace safe.” “The recent MQ-9 flight from the 174th Attack Wing on NUAIR's Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service platform is a perfect example of over a decade of innovative integration of unmanned aircraft into the commercial airport environment here at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR),” said Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Jason Terreri . The success of the MQ-9 flight goes beyond the significance of a demonstration – it's a blueprint for Administrator Duffy's vision of a reimagined air traffic control system. NUAIR's FAA Letter of Acceptance authorizes the organization to provide surveillance services traditionally reserved for government systems, demonstrating how third-party providers can rapidly deploy advanced capabilities at scale. Together, these milestones illustrate how this innovation can scale to meet national priorities.   "The 174th Attack Wing's trust in our network sends a powerful message," said Stewart . "If this infrastructure can safely manage a 10,000-lb military aircraft in complex airspace, it's ready to support the full spectrum of national airspace modernization."   Real-Time Threat Detection for National Events NUAIR's airspace awareness-as-a-service platform represents a fundamental shift in how America secures its airspace. The system provides comprehensive detection of both cooperative aircraft with transponders and non-cooperative "dark" aircraft that pose potential threats. This real-time intelligence delivers instant airspace awareness for security forces protecting critical infrastructure and major events, while offering the scalability to rapidly expand coverage as national priorities demand. Unlike traditional government procurement cycles that can take decades, this FAA-accepted infrastructure can deploy in months. The platform seamlessly connects military, law enforcement, and civil aviation in a unified operating picture – a capability that becomes increasingly vital as drone threats evolve and major international events approach.   Accelerating DOT's Modernization Timeline The Department of Transportation's push for airspace modernization has emphasized the need for new approaches to old challenges. NUAIR's demonstration proves that waiting for traditional government procurement cycles is no longer necessary. "FAA-authorized third-party networks can deploy in months, not decades," Stewart  emphasizes. "With drone threats evolving daily and national security imperatives mounting, we can't afford to wait. This infrastructure exists now, it's proven with military operations, and it's ready to scale nationally."   Building the Foundation for Economic Growth Beyond security applications, NUAIR's network enables the low altitude economy that the White House has identified as crucial for American competitiveness. The same infrastructure protecting against threats also enables commercial drone deliveries, emergency medical transport, infrastructure inspection, agricultural operations, and future passenger air taxi services – demonstrating how security and economic development can advance hand in hand.   Immediate National Impact As federal agencies work to implement Task Force recommendations, NUAIR's successful military demonstration offers a clear path forward. The technology provides deployable surveillance networks that protect high-value venues while enabling authorized commercial operations. It delivers the persistent monitoring capabilities needed to detect and track all aircraft – not just those choosing to cooperate – which forms the foundation of true airspace sovereignty. This proven model exemplifies the third-party surveillance services Administrator Duffy envisions for FAA modernization, while simultaneously creating infrastructure that enhances security and enables new economic opportunities through Advanced Air Mobility.   The Path Forward With this demonstration, NUAIR has proven that FAA-authorized third-party providers can deliver the airspace transformation the White House demands. The question is no longer whether non-government surveillance networks can handle critical national infrastructure – it's how quickly they can be deployed to protect American interests. "The Task Force called for restoring American airspace sovereignty," Stewart  concludes. "Today, we've shown that the technology exists, it's military-grade, and it's ready. The future of American airspace isn't years away – it's flying over Syracuse right now." Stewart adds, "All of this would not be possible if it weren't for the financial support of Empire State Development, and the members of the NUAIR Alliance."   Note: This demonstration was conducted under approved safety protocols with full coordination between NUAIR, the 174th Attack Wing, and relevant federal authorities.     About the 174 th  Attack Wing The 174th Attack Wing , based at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York, operates the MQ-9 Reaper in support of national defense objectives. The Wing maintains a deep connection to the Central New York region and plays a critical role in both state and federal missions.   About NUAIR NUAIR is a nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace. With support from Empire State Development and the State of New York and as one of the nation’s only FAA-accepted, NTAP-complete surveillance networks, NUAIR provides airspace awareness and safety assurance services enabling public, private, and defense operations. With a rich history performing UAS testing and validation, investing in local and state economic development, and training public safety elite, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. (NUAIR) is proud to be the catalyst to not only New York’s airspace innovation, but mobility advancement around the globe. Learn more at www.nuair.org .     Media Inquiries | Marketing@NUAIR.org   As Seen On Next Gen Defense  • The Defense Post  • National Post • InformNNY • Business Insider • Yahoo Finance • AP News • Financial Post Some placements are via national news distribution.

NUAIR has been selected by the United States Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency as an approved vendor for participation in the Countering the Threat: C-UAS Industry and SLTT Grant Forum event at George Mason University.

Kansas City. February 14th, 2024. A city comes together to celebrate a Super Bowl victory, and the energy is electric. As crowds fill the streets, emergency responders stand ready—supported by an expanding ecosystem of air and ground assets. Within minutes of an unexpected incident, police drones lift off for situational awareness, sheriff’s UAS begin securing the perimeter, news helicopters orbit overhead, and medical helicopters request landing clearance. Even civilian drones enter the airspace, each with its own operator and intent. In moments like this, the question becomes clear: Who’s coordinating what’s flying where? How do responders maintain safe, efficient air operations while managing a complex, fast-moving emergency? This scenario isn't hypothetical anymore. It's history. Welcome to the visibility gap that's undermining emergency response across America. The Power of a Common Operating Picture (COP) Before we look up, let's examine what's already working on the ground. The concept of a Common Operating Picture (COP) has revolutionized emergency response coordination for terrestrial operations. A common operating picture is "a display of relevant information, enabling users in command and control to make accurate and informed decisions based on situational awareness." Think of it as the difference between a dozen people shouting in a crowded room versus everyone reading from the same playbook. A COP means that personnel from all relevant organizations and locations have the same information, thus facilitating collaborative planning and execution of decisions. The Department of Homeland Security defines it even more precisely: "a continuously updated overview of an incident compiled from data shared between integrated systems." That's bureaucratic language for something beautifully simple: everyone seeing the same data in real time. Case studies from places like Baton Rouge, Camden County, and Chicago consistently demonstrate that when you establish a common operating picture, you support a coordinated response among all collaborators who use the COP for decision-making. The results? Faster response times, better resource allocation, and most importantly, lives saved. But here's where it gets interesting (and where many agencies are missing the boat entirely): these successes only account for what's happening on the ground. Extending the COP Skyward Enter the Common Operating Air Picture (COAP), essentially a "single pane of glass" for everything happening above 400 feet and below. If a traditional COP gives you eyes on the street, a COAP gives you eyes on the entire three-dimensional battlespace that emergency response has become. We're not talking about some futuristic concept here. Right now, public safety agencies are already operating drones for search and rescue, medical deliveries, disaster assessment, and tactical support. The problem? These operations happen in isolation, creating what experts call "airspace situational blindness." A proper COAP integration pulls together: Low-altitude radar and sensor networks UAS flight and operator data in real-time Weather conditions and geofencing boundaries Command and dispatch system feeds Airspace restrictions and temporary flight zones Emergency helicopter and medical transport tracking Imagine the warehouse fire scenario again, but this time everyone can see the complete aerial picture: where the police drone is conducting reconnaissance, the flight path of incoming medical helicopters, weather conditions affecting visibility, and temporary flight restrictions protecting the operation. That's not just coordination. That's transformation. Four Reasons Public Safety Can't Afford to Wait 1. Situational Awareness Across All Domains (Because Reality Isn't Flat) Enhanced situational awareness is perhaps the most important benefit of a partnership-driven COAP. By integrating data streams and expertise from various partners, the system creates a richer, more detailed operational picture. When you're managing an incident, you can't afford to think in two dimensions anymore. Real-time visibility of all aerial activity (both cooperative aircraft broadcasting their positions and non-cooperative threats that radar picks up) becomes part of your unified command structure. Ground operations inform air operations, and vice versa. 2. Faster, Safer Drone Operations (Without the Guesswork) Here's a statistic that should concern every public safety leader: most agencies operating drones today do so without knowing what other aircraft are in their operational area. That's not just inefficient. It's dangerous. COAP enables coordinated flight operations for search and rescue, disaster relief, medical deliveries, and tactical support. More importantly, it dramatically reduces the risk of midair conflicts and eliminates the communication failures that have plagued multi-agency responses. 3. Inter-agency Emergency Response Coordination That Actually Works Different groups of first responders rarely use the same technologies to the point that they can't even communicate during crisis incidents. This communication breakdown isn't just theoretical. During the tragic Sandy Hook mass shooting, over a dozen local, state, and federal agencies responded to the scene. However, they faced significant challenges due to the use of different communication tools. A COAP provides shared access among police, fire, EMS, emergency management, and state partners through a unified interface. Instead of operating in silos, agencies build trust and collaboration through shared data. When agencies share mapping software, they can communicate using precise grid references that both parties understand, enabling them to coordinate response efforts with pinpoint accuracy. 4. Data-Driven Decision Making (Because Gut Instincts Only Go So Far) Historical and live data support predictive analytics, risk modeling, and flight planning. When you can analyze patterns (where incidents occur, how weather affects response times, which flight paths work best for different scenarios), you are not just reacting to emergencies; you're anticipating them. Learning from What Already Works (And What Doesn't) The roots of this innovative tool can be traced back to U.S. military special ops forces, who invented a mapping technique called Gridded Reference Graphics (GRGs) to navigate uncharted terrains. The civilian world has been catching up, and the lessons from successful COP implementations offer a roadmap: Stakeholder buy-in drives everything. Leadership support and user training determine success more than technology features. If your chiefs don't believe in it, your line personnel won't use it. Integration beats innovation. Systems that consolidate data into one interface outperform stand-alone solutions. The fanciest drone in the world is useless if its data doesn't connect to your incident command system . Visualization translates complexity. Map-based dashboards transform complex sensor data into actionable insight. Policy and governance ensure consistency. Clear use protocols prevent the "wild west" scenarios that undermine system adoption and accountability. Building the "Single Pane of Glass" for Airspace What does COAP success actually require? Three foundational elements: Interoperability Across Agencies and Platforms Your system needs to talk to everyone else's system, period. No exceptions, no workarounds. FAA-Accepted Surveillance Networks and Sensor Fusion This isn't just about having good technology. It's about having technology that meets federal aviation standards and integrates multiple sensor types into coherent intelligence. Scalable, Cloud-Based Dashboards for Local to Federal Visibility Your solution needs to work for a small-town police department and scale up to state-level emergency management operations. A key advantage of a partnership-driven COP is its inherent scalability and flexibility. Such systems are designed to evolve, accommodating new technologies and expanding capabilities as needed. The end state? A unified, trusted, real-time view of the sky for every responder who needs it, when they need it. Seeing the Whole Picture, Protecting the Whole Community Critical incident mapping is more than a technological advancement; it's a commitment to public safety. The same principle applies to airspace awareness. As low-altitude operations become routine for public safety, the agencies that achieve a true Common Operating Air Picture will define the future of emergency response. Think about where we are headed : delivery drones, air taxis, automated emergency response aircraft, expanded medical helicopter operations. The sky above our communities is becoming as complex as the streets below. A COAP doesn't just turn complex airspace data into clear operational awareness. It empowers responders to act decisively in three dimensions instead of two. When seconds count and lives hang in the balance, that extra dimension of situational awareness isn't just nice to have. It's essential. As airspace becomes a new layer of public safety, the agencies that achieve a common operating air picture will define the future of emergency response.

Surveillance network tech is an airspace monitoring system, fuses multiple sensor types, tracks cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft, provides real-time airspace awareness, and supports counter-UAS operations. A breakthrough MQ-9 Reaper flight with NUAIR’s surveillance network has signaled a new chapter in how the US monitors and secures its airspace.

News Channel 9 Jeff Kulikowsky connects with Ken Stewart, President and CEO of NUAIR to discuss the recent milestone that NUAIR and the NY ANG 174th Attack Wing accomplished with the first uncrewed military flight on a private airspace awareness infrastructure network.

WASHINGTON, DC – November 12, 2025 –   NUAIR is honored to be selected by the White House and DHS/FEMA as an approved vendor for participation in the Countering the Threat: C-UAS Industry and SLTT Grant Forum  at George Mason University. This exclusive, invitation-only event brings together federal leaders, state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) decision-makers, public safety, and industry innovators to shape the nation’s future of drone threat mitigation and airspace security.   “We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the White House and DHS/FEMA, and included in this distinguished group of partners,” said Ken Stewart, President and CEO of NUAIR . “This opportunity reflects years of collaboration, testing, and validation that position our FAA-accepted network as a cornerstone for national airspace awareness. We look forward to supporting FEMA and SLTT agencies as they strengthen homeland security through advanced C-UAS capabilities.”   NUAIR’s surveillance capabilities directly support the goals of Executive Order No. 14305, the FEMA Counter-UAS Grant Program’s  to: Strengthen national preparedness  by equipping SLTT agencies with C-UAS Grant Program capabilities. Protect critical infrastructure, mass gatherings, and sensitive government operations from UAS threats. Support the deployment of fixed or portable systems for UAS detection, tracking, identification, and—where authorized—mitigation, consistent with applicable laws.   NUAIR delivers the nation’s first FAA-accepted and NTAP-complete airspace surveillance network, currently delivering  comprehensive situational awareness across more than 1,900 square miles  of active coverage with the ability to rapidly deploy similar capabilities to support the upcoming SEAR 1 and 2 events. NUAIR directly supports the grant’s scoring priorities through its FAA-accepted network – highlighting wide area DTIM Surveillance (i.e. Airspace Awareness) as-a-Service capabilities and multi-sensor fusion that supports both drone operations and counter-UAS awareness . This recognition by the White House underscores NUAIR’s trusted role in helping public safety agencies establish scalable, grant-compliant infrastructure for detecting, tracking, and identifying unmanned aircraft. As agencies prepare for high-profile national events like FIFA World Cup 2026  and America 250 , NUAIR’s Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service  provides a proven, interoperable foundation for mission-critical operations and national security resilience.   NUAIR remains committed to supporting State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT)  agencies as they pursue funding and operational readiness under FEMA’s C-UAS Grant Program. Through collaborative demonstrations, technical consultation, and network integration, NUAIR empowers agencies to accelerate deployment of compliant, high-value airspace awareness capabilities. Agencies and partners interested in learning more can visit NUAIR.org .     About NUAIR NUAIR is a nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace. With support from Empire State Development and the State of New York and as one of the nation’s only FAA-accepted, NTAP-complete surveillance networks, NUAIR provides airspace awareness and safety assurance services enabling public, private, and defense operations.   With a rich history performing UAS testing and validation, investing in local and state economic development, and training public safety elite, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. (NUAIR) is proud to be the catalyst to not only New York’s airspace innovation, but mobility advancement around the globe. Learn more at www.nuair.org .    NUAIR. Where Next Takes Flight. Media Inquiries | marketing@NUAIR.org

(and why “single-box” defenses keep losing to cheap, clever drones) Single sensors don’t win against small-UAS. Networks do.  If your counter-UAS (C-UAS) plan starts and ends with one sensor type then you are buying blind spots, false alarms, and slow decisions. The fix is a fused, open, mobile network that turns many partial truths into one trusted picture and one fast decision.   The threat has changed . So should your architecture. Drones are plentiful, affordable, and adaptable. They fly low, hide in clutter, spoof, go dark, and show up where traditional air defense isn’t looking. A point solution that shines in a lab rarely survives contact with weather, urban RF noise, dense crowds, and swarming tactics  – and those who work in this space know this firsthand. Reality check: RF-only  → misses “dark” drones, urban noise buries the signal. Radar-only  → tiny cross-sections + ground clutter = gaps. EO/IR-only  → line-of-sight, weather-dependent, brittle. Single-feed stacks  → easy to saturate, easier to fool.   What a multi-sensor network actually is. A deliberate, vendor-agnostic architecture  that fuses diverse modalities – RF, radar, EO/IR, acoustic, passive emitters, Remote ID, cooperative surveillance and those sensing systems in stealth mode (you know who you are) – into a single, de-duplicated track with confidence scoring and clear handoffs to effectors. Core ingredients: Open ingest  & APIs:  Vendor-agnostic interfaces and documented schemas so you can add sensors/effectors without a forklift upgrade. Time & geo truth:  Robust PNT, synchronized clocks, and site models (terrain/structures) to kill ghosting and double tracks. Identity management:  Blue-force exclusion, Remote ID, ADS-B/ATC overlays, and policy rules to avoid fratricide and false positives. Single-pane operations:  Detect → classify → track → decide/mitigate in one workflow, with role-based views for operators, LE, and command. Evidence & learning:  Chain-of-custody logging, AAR bundles, and exportable data for investigations and continuous improvement.    Design principle: Layered diversity  beats “perfect sensors.”  One sensor’s weakness should be another’s strength.   Operational design principles that win. Mobility as a feature:  Pack, move, and fight. VIP moves, pop-up venues, and convoys demand architectures that redeploy fast. Degraded-mode thinking:  Plan for GNSS issues, bandwidth constraints, and partial failures; prioritize essential data paths. Human-in-the-loop:  Use ML to triage and recommend, not to disappear the operator when stakes are high. Policy-aware  by design:  Build with clear CONOPS, authorities, and cross-agency coordination in mind from day one.   Metrics that actually matter (and how to test them). If you can’t measure it in the field, you can’t trust it in a crisis. Prioritize: Probability of detection & false-alarm rate  (by class, range, clutter level) Track continuity  (across sensors, handoffs, and maneuvers) Time to classification  and time to effect Geolocation accuracy  (CEP/R95 in real environments) Operator load  (alerts/hour, acknowledgments, intervention rate) Availability  (MTBF/MTTR across the full network, not just a node)   Instrument your demos to capture these, or you’re running theater  – not testing.   Buyer beware: “It’s a Trap”. Closed ecosystems  that lock you into one vendor’s roadmap and block future sensors. “Pretty UI, messy tracks”  → if fusion isn’t de-duplicating and scoring confidence, the map is lying to you. Bandwidth bombs  → uncontrolled video and radar volume that crushes the link when you need it most. No training/CONOPS  → operators get blamed for what the architecture never supported.   The roadmap from slide deck to field data. Assess : Threats, venues, and authorities; define decision-quality metrics up front. Integrate : Open interfaces; add sensors/effectors without breaking the stack. Stress : Real environments, moving pieces, adverse weather, and red-team tactics. Prove : Deliver an evidence pack (scores, tracks, AAR) people can act on. Iterate : Tune fusion, add modules, and harden for production.   Multi-sensor networks outperform single-sensor systems because they transform fragmented detections into a unified, trusted air picture – turning confusion into actionable clarity . In counter-UAS defense, resilience comes not from one perfect sensor but from many working together through open, mobile, and data-fused architectures. The future of winning the low-altitude fight belongs to those who design for integration, adaptability, and proof in the field – not promises on a slide.   ABOUT NUAIR Defense NUAIR Defense is the defense-division of NUAIR, marrying commercial innovation with rapid-deployment defense systems. We deliver a fused, vendor-agnostic services stack — taking tech from validation & certification to real-time operations and sustainment —that enables layered, mobile counter-UAS and advanced air-mobility defense architectures. Email contact@NUAIRDefense.org to schedule an operational validation sprint.