Supporting Multi-Agency UAS Collaboration

The Department of War's UAS Logistics Traffic Response Autonomy (ULTRA) Project is at the forefront of advancing UAS technology for logistics and transportation. This collaborative initiative is led by Grand Forks County with extensive support from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to advance the DoW's drone capabilities within the National Airspace System.

Focused on military cargo transport, traffic management, and situational awareness, the project involves partnerships with GrandSKY, NASA, and AFRL. Demonstration flights, including cargo transport between GrandSKY and Cavalier Space Force Station, showcase UAS potential for logistical and operational efficiency.

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A man operating an unmanned vehicle as an onlooker stands nearby

How NPUASTS Facilitates Project ULTRA

For Project ULTRA, we serve as a key authorization and flight-operations partner, helping to turn ambitious concepts into executable, compliant flight activities; bringing operations to the user. The test site has led the development of simulation campaigns, safety cases, and test cards, and has been central to securing the waivers and airspace access needed for advanced BVLOS logistics and counter-UAS operations.

This includes support with specialized 44803 waivers available only through FAA test sites, as well as route design, flight-route management, and operational support functions such as providing and staffing visual observers and pilots in command. By focusing on airspace access, regulatory compliance, and flight-operations support, we enable Project ULTRA to execute increasingly complex missions while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety, repeatability, and regulatory alignment.