Grand Sky to conduct BVLOS flights with large UAS this summer

The Grand Sky UAS Business and Aviation Park near Grand Forks, North Dakota, announced Monday that it has signed a contract with Harris Corp. to install a system which connects the Grand Forks Air Force Base’s DASR-11 radar with other surveillance systems, making it possible for users to achieve real-time situational awareness.

The Harris RangeVue system—purchased by Grand Sky through its affiliate Grand Sky Airfield Operations—will combine several surveillance systems, including the nearby air force base radar feed, the locally installed ADS-B Xtend and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) NextGen into one stream.

According to Tom Swoyer, Grand Sky Development Co. president, Grand Sky will be the first location in the U.S. to host BVLOS flights for large UAS.

“As processes are proven and additional data is collected, we anticipate the Grand Sky BVLOS range will be extended to include the entire state of North Dakota and all classes of aircraft,” Swoyer said.

“Grand Sky is creating a truly unique setting to carry out UAS research and test flights,” says George Kirov, vice president and general manager, Harris Commercial UAS Solutions. “We are excited to have a role in getting flights off the ground and stand ready to further assist North Dakota in maintaining its leadership role in the industry.”

Initial BVLOS flights at Grand Sky will be limited to UAS flying within 60 nautical miles of Grand Sky. As processes are proven and additional data is collected, Grand Sky anticipates its BVLOS range will be extended to include the entire state of North Dakota and all classes of aircraft.

Grand Sky is a 217-acre business and aviation park located adjacent to the Grand Forks Air Force Base which works in partnership with the FAA-approved Northern Plains test site. Its current tenants include Northrop Grumman and General Atomics.