UAS ECOSYSTEM
Airspace Access
Extensive runway, uncongested airspace and connectivity to additional airfields. No chase planes required.
Extensive Runway
A unique Joint Use Agreement with the U.S. Air Force and Grand Forks County allows Grand Sky tenants direct access to the 12,351-foot runway at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Manned, unmanned and optionally manned commercial aircraft can utilize the runway, which allows for real-world situational testing.
Flight Certainty
Grand Sky tenants can test their technologies and aircraft in all weather conditions year-round, with few delays. Less than 25 percent of all flights at Grand Sky are canceled due to weather. Uncongested airspace makes Grand Sky one of the most reliable locations to launch UAS flights
Beyond Visual Line of Sight
In December 2016, the FAA granted authorization to the Northern Plains UAS Test Site for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, with Grand Sky serving as the launch and recovery site. Flights are monitored using a combined system that includes Harris RangeVue’s surveillance system, Grand Forks Air Force Base’s radar feed, locally installed ADS-B Xtend and FAA NextGen, providing real-time situational awareness of manned and unmanned aircraft, and eliminating the need for chase planes. Assistance for civil FAA Certificate of Authorizations (COAs) is available upon request.
Additional Airfields
Grand Sky’s network of UAS airfields offers unique connectivity to regions throughout the U.S. Additional airfields include locations in Laramie, Wyoming, and Houston, Texas.
