Beavercreek, Ohio – Parallax Advanced Research Corp. announced a new project funded through a recent contract award from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), positioning the company at the forefront of advanced aerospace initiatives in Northeast Ohio. This contract highlights Parallax's commitment to driving innovation in defense and aerospace sectors through cutting-edge research and development.
The contract valued at $8,641,907, was awarded on September 30, 2024, to the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Parallax is the major subcontractor on this project, having received a sub-contract in the amount of $6,139,733.55 to build, test and operate two mobile systems and two fixed stations with research expertise from Sinclair Community College and Kent State University. These systems can be used in multiple environments to address key issues to support the future integration into the national airspace system. This project will facilitate knowledge and experience for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations with the resulting safety data from planned operations assisting industry in development of commercial advanced air mobility (AAM)/ unmanned aerial systems (UAS) markets. Additionally, the Vigilant Spirit Control Station (VSCS) will be integrated into the operational framework of these new systems, providing unique surveillance, communications, and vehicle control for the operator.
Originally developed by AFRL and Parallax, VSCS is a modern UAS operator control interface with an extensible plugin architecture. It supports fundamental and applied research and training for the next generation of airspace systems workforce. VSCS is owned by AFRL. Using VSCS in combination with existing UAS, this project will provide BVLOS flight training and airspace integration testing, demonstration, and development of key technologies including sensors, avionics, and communications systems.
Additionally, the research will demonstrate fundamental decision-making algorithms powered by artificial intelligence, optimization, and refined control techniques and will support testing, development, and instruction on key AAM traffic management functions. This project focuses on establishing essential assets and capabilities for AAM within Ohio, enhancing the region's strategic capabilities. The work is set to be completed by September 29, 2026.
“Parallax is excited to contribute to these groundbreaking projects that will not only advance our understanding of autonomous technologies but also strengthen Ohio’s position in the aerospace industry,” said Bob Tanner, executive director, Aerospace Partnerships at Parallax Advanced Research.
Supporting Innovation in Aerospace and Defense
With a proven track record in research and development, Parallax Advanced Research is uniquely equipped to lead this initiative and has successfully collaborated with government and industry partners on similar innovative solutions that drive operational effectiveness and technological advancement. Parallax’s current government partners include, but are not limited to, AFRL, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Defense Innovation Unit, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Department of the Air Force.
Parallax's interdisciplinary team brings together expertise in areas such as human factors engineering, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing technologies, making it an ideal contractor for these projects. By leveraging state-of-the-art methodologies and a commitment to research excellence, Parallax is set to make substantial contributions to the future of advanced air mobility and autonomous systems.
“We believe that our innovative approach and dedication to research excellence will yield impactful results in enhancing human-machine collaboration and advancing air mobility technologies,” said Greg Feitshans, director of UAS Command Control (C2) Research with the Intelligent Systems Division at Parallax Advanced Research.
Parallax is proud to be part of this pivotal moment for aerospace innovation in Ohio and looks forward to delivering transformative solutions that support national defense objectives. For additional information about Parallax Advanced Research and its ongoing projects, please visit https://parallaxresearch.org/.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SUPPORT AND DISCLAIMER
This material is based upon work supported by the United States Air Force under Contract No. FA2394-24-C-B063. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Air Force.
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About Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.
About NCDMM
NCDMM delivers innovative and collaborative manufacturing solutions that enhance our nation’s workforce and economic competitiveness. NCDMM has extensive knowledge and depth in commercial and defense manufacturing areas to continually innovate, improve, and advance manufacturing technologies and methodologies. Our experienced team specializes in identifying the needs, players, technologies, and processes to attain optimal solutions for our customers. We connect the dots. That’s the NCDMM methodology. NCDMM also manages America Makes, AMARII, AMIIC, and El Paso Makes, and is a subsidiary of the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group, Inc. (MTDG).