Hoeven Boosts Dods Sky Tech: 100M Contract Paves Way For Advanced Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

The U.S. Sen. John Hoeven has announced a significant expansion of Project ULTRA, a public-private initiative aimed at integrating Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology into the Department of Defense’s operations. The contract ceiling for Project ULTRA has been raised from $18 million to an impressive $100 million, allowing for the development and testing of advanced UAS capabilities.

At the heart of this expansion is the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, which serves as a critical hub for the project. The test site has played a pivotal role in supporting the Department of Defense’s Uncrewed Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) flights through the National Airspace System (NAS). These flights have demonstrated the successful integration of UAS technology into the NAS, paving the way for the development of more sophisticated UAS capabilities.

GrandSKY, a leading provider of UAS services, has been instrumental in supporting the project’s growth. The company’s close relationships with Cavalier Space Force Station and Grand Forks Air Force Base, as well as its partnership with Grand Forks County, have allowed it to develop a world-class team and capabilities for UAS innovation with an impressive infrastructure to support Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight operations.

According to Thomas Swoyer Jr., President of GrandSKY, the company’s efforts have enabled it to “come together to develop this world-class team and capabilities for UAS innovation with an impressive infrastructure to support Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight operations.”

The expansion of Project ULTRA has significant implications for the development of UAS technology in North Dakota. The state’s unique geography and favorable business climate make it an attractive location for companies looking to establish themselves in the UAS industry. Senator Hoeven is leveraging this funding and the ecosystem he has been building in his state since 2005 to connect all of his military branches with even more private sector partners to realize a wide range of new capabilities.

One of the key areas being explored through Project ULTRA is the integration of UAS technology into medical supply chain management. The team has successfully completed several test flights, including medical delivery flights, which have demonstrated the potential for UAS to support rural health care. Thomas Swoyer Jr., President of GrandSKY, believes that using UAS to support rural health care offers a “huge opportunity to improve medical support on the battlefield, and those lessons learned translate to rural health care.”

Another significant development in Project ULTRA is the initiation of unmanned cargo flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station. This operation marks the first time that UAS have been used for routine cargo transport on a military base flying through national airspace without the presence of a chase plane.

The success of these operations has significant implications for the future of UAS operations in the military sector. The Project ULTRA partners undertaking these flights include GrandSKY, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Grand Forks County, Skyways (providing the aircraft), Simulyze (providing the traffic management system), and representatives from the Air Force, Navy, and NASA.

These partnerships demonstrate the growing collaboration between industry and government in the development of UAS technology. As Project ULTRA continues to expand its capabilities, it is clear that North Dakota is establishing itself as a leader in the UAS industry.

The state’s unique combination of geography and business climate make it an attractive location for companies looking to establish themselves in this growing sector. With the contract ceiling raised to $100 million, Project ULTRA is poised to take its development to new heights, driving innovation and growth in the UAS industry.

The expansion of Project ULTRA also underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in the development of advanced technologies like UAS. The collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions is essential for driving innovation and achieving success in this field. Retired Navy Cmdr. Chris Hewlett, Project ULTRA Director, notes that it took immense coordination, cooperation, and communication to get these flights in the air, much less complete.

The successful expansion of Project ULTRA highlights the importance of investing in research and development initiatives like this one. The government’s investment in advanced technologies like UAS can have significant spin-off benefits for the economy and society as a whole. Senator Hoeven emphasizes that they are not just talking about new military capabilities, but also creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and driving innovation.

In conclusion, the expansion of Project ULTRA is a significant development in the growth of UAS technology in North Dakota. With its unique blend of government-private sector collaboration and investment, this project is poised to drive innovation and growth in the UAS industry. As the UAS sector continues to evolve, it is likely that Project ULTRA will play a major role in shaping its future development.

Sources:

• GrandSky
• Senator John Hoeven

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