BOZEMAN, Mont. — A local aerospace firm in Bozeman is working on innovative artificial intelligence technology aimed at supporting the U.S. military.
The research is centered on improving aviation safety and ensuring that aircraft can function effectively in areas where GPS signals are unavailable or disrupted. As AI technology advances, Montana is beginning to take a more significant role in the fields of aerospace and defense.
Volair Technologies Incorporated is creating AI-based navigation systems that allow planes to operate safely even when GPS and standard radio navigation systems are not working.
Eric Muir, the founder and CEO of VTI Aerospace, highlighted the pressing need for this technology: “Our adversaries can hinder our ability to navigate and communicate using existing systems, including GPS. It’s crucial for military technology development to stay ahead of these challenges.”
The main focus is to assist pilots in navigating and landing aircraft without depending on GPS or ground radio aids. Experts suggest that this technology could greatly enhance the safety and reliability of future military air missions.
“When GPS signals are jammed or degraded, pilots must rely on their skills to navigate and carry out their missions. As we design future military aircraft that minimize human involvement, it’s essential to integrate resilience into the software to allow planes to navigate without GPS,” Muir explained.
This initiative aims to support both manned and unmanned aircraft operating in challenging environments where traditional navigation systems might fail, such as remote areas.
VTI’s new sensor technology will be critical during the takeoff and landing phases. Muir stated, “We are equipping aircraft with sensors that function like human eyes to ensure safe navigation for takeoffs and landings. This could happen at typical airports or in more rugged locations, like unpaved runways or even highways, enabling future military missions without GPS reliance.”
VTI Aerospace continues to advance its AI-driven perception and navigation technologies through collaborations with both commercial and government partners.
