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29. July 2025
Navy Breaks New Ground As Uas Successfully Delivers Blood Over Long Distance
Project ULTRA Successfully Completes Blood Delivery in Groundbreaking Beyond Visual Line of Sight Demonstration
The Project ULTRA team has successfully transported 18 units of blood 90 nautical miles in a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) demonstration for the Department of the Navy’s Medical Research Division and members of the 319th Medical Corps. This achievement marks a major breakthrough in the integration of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in controlled airspace, paving the way for potentially life-saving medical logistics missions.
The “blood flights” follow the team’s successful completion of a task order from the Department of Defense (DoD) regarding the integration of UAS in controlled airspace. According to Project ULTRA Director, retired Navy Cmdr. Chris Hewlett, the aspiration was to prove the capabilities of the team. “It was an aspirational goal to prove our capabilities,” Hewlett said. “The Navy team has done this, but never BVLOS.”
Project ULTRA is a critical initiative under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD A&S). Its primary objective is to integrate UAS technology to support the U.S. military’s rapid and secure transportation needs. By leveraging UAS capabilities, Project ULTRA aims to enhance logistics operations, reduce costs, and increase operational flexibility.
The team, led by Grand Forks County and GrandSKY, includes the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. GrandSKY is a UAS-focused flight operations center on Grand Forks AFB in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. The 217-acre flight center provides Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) tenants and partners with unmatched research, development, training, and testing amenities.
Ensuring that the blood, which weighed over 25 pounds, maintained the appropriate temperature after two hours in the air was the initial goal. The 319th Air Wing’s Medical Unit has the blood and is conducting post-flight analysis that will be instrumental in moving forward with this critically needed logistics mission.
The demonstration of BVLOS capabilities marks a significant milestone for Project ULTRA. This achievement showcases the team’s ability to integrate UAS technology into controlled airspace, which has far-reaching implications for various military applications. According to Hewlett, what they have been able to demonstrate is capacity and capability. “What we have been able to demonstrate is capacity and capability,” he said. “The next step will be sustainment and scalability. This is truly groundbreaking for the Department of Defense.”
Project ULTRA’s success is a testament to the collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and academia. The initiative has garnered significant support from various stakeholders, including the DoD, Air Force, Navy, and civilian companies. These partnerships have enabled the development of advanced UAS technologies and logistics systems.
The integration of UAS technology into logistics operations has significant potential benefits for the military. By leveraging UAS capabilities, the DoD can enhance operational flexibility, reduce costs, and increase the speed of delivery. This is particularly critical in modern warfare scenarios, where the ability to rapidly deploy resources is crucial.
In addition to Project ULTRA, other initiatives are underway to explore the use of UAS technology in logistics operations. The Air Force has been actively developing its UAS capabilities, with a focus on integrated logistics systems. The Navy has also been exploring the use of drones for tactical missions, including medical resupply.
The success of Project ULTRA demonstrates the potential of UAS technology to transform logistics operations. As the military continues to explore new applications for UAS capabilities, it is essential to develop effective regulations and guidelines to ensure safe and secure operation.
The future of Project ULTRA holds great promise, with plans to expand its operations and explore additional applications of UAS technology. Collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and academia will be critical in realizing the full potential of UAS technology. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of UAS capabilities and transform logistics operations for the better.
The integration of UAS technology into logistics operations has the potential to create a more agile, responsive, and efficient military organization. The success of Project ULTRA demonstrates the potential of UAS capabilities to enhance medical logistics missions, paving the way for potentially life-saving operations in the future.