Grand Sky is the only commercial UAS testing site of its kind for several reasons. In the March 2018 issue of Air Force magazine, writer Jenn Rowell takes an in-depth look at the enhanced use lease (EUL) agreement that allowed Grand Sky to be created on leased land at the Grand Forks Air Force Base, and the cutting-edge UAS industry development that Grand Sky has enabled as a result.
“The Air Force has used EULs at other bases, but few have been as successful as Grand Forks in developing synergies with an Air Force mission while spurring industry, education, and economic development in the local community,” Rowell writes.
Tom Swoyer, president of Grand Sky Development Co., said GFAFB has become known as the “base of the future” and has become more closely connected with the surrounding community through the joint interest in Grand Sky and the UAS industry advancements being accomplished at the site.
For UAS industry members, the site is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to conduct real-world testing and demonstrations.
“We offer schedule certainty and the ability to use an Air Force runway,” he said. … “This is the only place where you can set up shop and start flying and working.”
Read the entire article at AirForceMag.com.
