The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is helping meet the nation’s needs for UAS security and defense. Now more than ever, through developing, testing and demonstrating expanded capabilities, the NPUASTS is once again proving its crucial role to protect the country.
Since it was created more than 10 years ago, the NPUASTS has been a strategic asset to assist the Department of Defense and a collaborative partner to other agencies and entities. North Dakota’s unique UAS ecosystem and team’s history of expertise have become major reasons why the DoD and others turn to the NPUASTS to get drones flying and for results.
Implementing Project ULTRA
Earlier this year, the NPUASTS joined other organizations and agencies as part of Project ULTRA, to bolster Unmanned Logistics, Traffic, Research and Autonomy within the National Airspace System (NAS). The project brings together Grand Forks County, GrandSKY, NASA, AFRL, MITRE and other industry leaders in a multi-year effort to secure the nation’s defense.
Senator John Hoeven called Project ULTRA the next step in developing drone and counter drone technologies, working with private enterprise and leveraging the expertise of the NPUASTS to increase armed forces’ missions and readiness.
The NPUASTS is the primary execution arm of ULTRA’s initiative. Because of the team’s extensive flight testing and research capabilities, the Test Site is moving the project forward and facilitating UAS flight in a variety of ways.
In one example, NPUASTS will be supporting UAS demonstration flights from military cargo transport through 2025 between Grand Forks AFB to Cavalier Space Force Station and back. The flights will travel more than 60 miles, carrying payloads of at least 55 pounds.
Those flights show how Project ULTRA will handle UAS traffic management within the NAS and develop reliable logistical and supply delivery to remote military locations. By using BVLOS capabilities and integrating Small UAS capabilities, NPUASTS is both proving new service models as well as improving the quality of life for military personnel and families.
Passing Milestones in UAS
In no small way, these flights along with other UAS milestones – are enhancing all defense-oriented UAS processes in the area. They’re also helping strengthen physical security measures at military facilities. Recently, the NPUASTS has led the way in:
· Assessing how traditional aviation surveillance can expand UAS access, using the Radar Data Pilot Program.
· Helping the State of North Dakota collaborate with Korea’s KRAUV, a key ally and economic partner.
· Successfully conducting test flights of the KTLS, using the Test Site’s FAA COA.
· Helping the Grand Forks FD obtain a TBVLOS waiver, expanding emergency response.
· Having Vantis be approved by the FAA as the safety mitigation for recurring BVLOS operations.
Through Project ULTRA, advanced test flights and unmatched expertise, the NPUASTS is helping raise the DoD’s operational capabilities significantly. The boundaries of UAS achievements are being pushed further out with every milestone and flight.
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