Eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota are nationally recognized hubs for UAS innovation, thanks to FAA-designated test sites, open airspace and cutting-edge research institutions like the University of North Dakota. The region fosters a unique ecosystem where industry, academia and government collaborate to advance next-gen drone technology.
Northrop Grumman's presence in Grand Forks contributes to the nation's most robust unmanned and autonomous systems ecosystem, known as "Silidrone Valley."
GrandSKY is a UAS-specific business and aviation park located at Grand Forks Air Force Base. It was the first UAS business and aviation park in the U.S., providing access to the runway for large UAS flights.
North Dakota's statewide UAS network, Vantis, is pioneering beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations, enhancing commercial drone capabilities.
One of seven FAA-approved UAS test sites, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site conducts crucial research to determine how to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace.
UND collaborates with GrandSKY on a NASA-funded project to enhance UAS weather forecasting, contributing to safer drone operations.
