Air base projects ‘on track’: Pushing UAS activities critical to Grand Forks region, Hoeven says

By: Robb Jeffries

GRAND FORKS — Two unmanned aircraft systems projects centered on the Grand Forks Air Force Base are on schedule, according to officials.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., met with industry and local representatives Wednesday to discuss an application to make the base a test site for integration of unmanned aircraft in commercial airspace and the development of a technology park on the grounds of the base.

“We have and are continuing to build the premier UAS center in the nation,” he said.

The application to the Federal Aviation Administration for the national test site is important for the growth of UAS technology in the Grand Forks region, Hoeven said.

Both military uses, such as the air base’s Global Hawk detachment and the North Dakota Air National Guard’s use of Predator drones, as well as civilian uses, such as the University of North Dakota’s and Northland Community and Technical College’s UAS programs, stand to gain from the Grand Forks Air Force Base becoming a test site.

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