The United States Department of Defense has tasked Project ULTRA with conducting demonstration flights using uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to move cargo between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station in North Dakota. With USD3.49 million in funding approved by the Office of Undersecretary of Defense and Grand Forks County, the task order will focus on transitioning from simulations to live flight operations.
The flights involve cargo payloads of at least 25 kilograms flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) for approximately 50 miles through both civilian and military-controlled airspace. The flights will validate the real-world application of the AirSpace Integration Services (ASIS) and selected UAS platforms, moving beyond the simulations completed in the first task order. Because the flights will take place in the National Airspace System, the project will coordinate with the US Federal Aviation Administration to obtain the necessary authorisations and waivers for safe operation. ASIS systems, along with GrandSKY’s BVLOS Ground-Based Sense and Avoid system, will provide real-time airspace awareness and safety throughout the flight. GrandSKY’s BVLOS system, which has been is use for over five years, will provide an additional layer of security during the operation.
“Project ULTRA is all about realising the potential of unmanned aircraft to support a wide range of defence operations, from logistics to countering threats from other drones,” said US Senator for North Dakota, John Hoeven. He added that additional funding secured in the Senate’s FY2025 legislation, will enable continued support of Project ULTRA’s operations.
Project ULTRA, which launched earlier this year, includes the development of practical UAS applications like supply delivery, base inspections and installation security. The project aims to enhance airspace situational awareness and traffic management through testing and evaluation of uncrewed traffic management and other traffic management systems. The initiative received an open contract valued at up to USD18.25 million and can continue to receive funding in subsequent years.
The project partners include Grand Forks County, GrandSky, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Simulyze, CScott Solutions, POI Federal, Scientific Applications and Research Associates, Modern Technology Solutions International, Perikin and Aura Networks. Additional partners are expected to join the team as the project advances.
For more information
Image: Cavalier Space Force Station (US Space Force)
