The first full day of UAS Connect was full of updates, big news, fly-zone demonstrations and information on actual commercialized UAV applications in action. Some highlights:
Congressional Breakfast, sponsored by Grand Sky:
Photo credit: North Dakota UAS
Our own Tom Swoyer welcomed attendees, followed up by remarks from N.D. Lt. Governor Drew Wrigley, who emphasized that North Dakota’s pioneering spirit will help its UAS ventures in balancing innovation, research, test flights and other action with regulations.
Sen. John Hoeven (R – ND), shared UAS policymaking updates, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D – ND), emphasized the importance of capitalizing on public and private partnerships in UAS industry development. That information was echoed by Grand Forks Air Force Base Commanders Col. Rodney Lewis and Col. Christopher Larson.
Going where no vehicles (or people) can go
A presentation on the science-driven UAS arctic research included these key points on how UAS are ideal to monitor and survey the challenging arctic landscape:
- The arctic is a huge area to monitor
- No personnel are put at risk (-58 degrees F is not uncommon)
- UAS equipment is durable, manageable and resilient
Fly-zone demos
Outside, a UAS demonstration by Grand Sky Tenant Northrop Grumman featured a Firebird UAV overhead and control vehicle on the ground, showcasing the capabilities in montoring as explained by expert personnel.
Inside, several companies flew live missions and payloads in real-time, including the Northeast Region UAS Unit, which uses UAS for law enforcement:
Photo credit: UAS Magazine
UAV in action
Panelists in the afternoon detailed how their UAV ventures have succesfully started and continued operations amidst economics, regulations and other challenges in law enforcement, pipeline montoring, emergency response, aerial surveying, aerial videography and precision agriculture.
