Hoeven: BlueHalo Partnerships Link Area’s Counter-Drone, Hypersonic Missile Testing & Space Operations
Senator Outlines Efforts to Build Project ULTRA, Grand Forks into Proving Ground for Counter-UAS Tech
EMERADO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven and representatives from BlueHalo today announced that the company is expanding its operations to the Grand Forks region, tying into a range of operations critical to the future of the nation’s defense, like counter-drone, while laying the groundwork to also connect with the region’s growing space operations. Specifically, BlueHalo:
- Has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GrandSKY to install its VigilantHalo system in support of Project ULTRA at the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology park.
- Project ULTRA is an effort to make Grand Forks the proving ground for developing the technology needed to protect U.S. military installations and service members against the malicious use of UAS.
- VigilantHalo will significantly enhance Project ULTRA’s ability to track unmanned aircraft by providing a seamless link between the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) unfiltered radar data feed, the state’s Vantis network and other sensor systems.
- Will provide on-site support for the Sky Range program, which is operated by the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) at GrandSKY.
- BlueHalo will be supporting the use of its PANTHER phased array antenna, which is the technology used to convert Grand Forks’ Global Hawks into Range Hawks, enabling them to track hypersonic missiles and other airborne and space-based threats, while communicating with satellites.
- The company will also partner with the University of North Dakota (UND) on further development of phased array technology.
- Continues working to adapt its phased array antenna for spaced-based platforms, including the low-Earth orbit mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base.
- The STAPS Project is funded under the $8.3 million Hoeven secured in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 to partner BlueHalo with Bismarck State College.
- This effort seeks to miniaturize and enhance the phase array antenna so it can be packaged and launched on satellites.
- This would allow for additional tracking data in hypersonic missile testing, with the potential for future applications such as tracking adversary missiles.
“Partnerships are the foundation on which North Dakota’s UAS ecosystem is built, and these initiatives being undertaken by BlueHalo are adding new capabilities and opportunities to link the many exciting operations going on in the Grand Forks region,” said Senator Hoeven. “Importantly, BlueHalo is bringing the VigilantHalo system to GrandSKY at the same time as we are establishing access to the unfiltered FAA radar data feed, giving private companies a unique advantage as they work to develop counter-UAS technologies under Project ULTRA. Combined with the company’s support for the Sky Range hypersonic missile testing and the potential to bring their phased array technology to our satellite mission, today’s announcement ties together North Dakota’s role in some of the most critical missions for the future of our nation’s defense.”
“North Dakota is a hub for national security research, development, and operations–from drones to hypersonic missiles to total airspace command and control,” said Trip Ferguson, BlueHalo Chief Operating Officer. “The state’s unique blend of leaders like Senator Hoeven who understand these urgent priorities with organizations like GrandSKY who are leaning forward to bring solutions to the table is creating an environment of rapid innovation. BlueHalo is already hard at work here to develop and transition solutions to the frontlines. We’re excited to expand these efforts alongside partners who share the same focus and commitment to the mission.”
“This agreement with BlueHalo allows GrandSKY to further expand its capabilities in BVLOS operations, and the integration of VigilantHalo as a ground-based sense-and-avoid system strengthens the safety and efficiency of uncrewed flights,” GrandSKY President Tom Swoyer Jr. said. “This collaboration addresses the critical challenges of integrating UAS into the national airspace system while also integrating counter-UAS capabilities which are becoming increasingly critical to national security.”
Installing VigilantHalo at GrandSKY
VigilantHalo is an advanced command and control system capable of combining multiple feeds from radars and sensors, enabling:
- More robust UAS traffic management, detect and avoid capabilities and beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) unmanned flights.
- Companies that partner with GrandSKY under Project ULTRA a unique set of capabilities as they develop UAS and counter-UAS technologies.
The new system supports Hoeven’s efforts to increase the size and scope of Project ULTRA to develop new tools and methods for the U.S. to counter the malicious use of drone technology. To this end, the senator continues working to secured an increase contract ceiling for Project ULTRA, which would enable it to serve as a bridge between an existing Department of Defense contracting vehicle and new counter-UAS capabilities being developed in the private sector.
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