09.25.24

Hoeven: Project ULTRA Moves to Next Phase, Conducting UAS Test Flights Moving Cargo Between Grand Forks & Cavalier

Senator Secured $3.5 million in FY2024 for New Task Order, Additional $7 Million in FY2025 for UAS Initiatives like Project ULTRA

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today announced that that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has tasked Project ULTRA with conducting demonstration flights using unmanned aircraft to move cargo between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station. The flights:

  • Are supported by $3.5 million in funding Hoeven secured in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations legislation.
    • This builds upon Hoeven’s previous efforts providing $2.5 million in FY2023 to establish the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) initiative and begin simulations of the unmanned cargo flights, as well as $25 million for collaborative research between DoD, NASA and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
    • Hoeven also included $7 million in the Senate’s FY2025 DoD funding bill, for which Project ULTRA will be eligible.
  • Involve cargo payloads of at least 25 kilograms over 100 kilometers.
  • Will help accelerate practical UAS applications for the military, not only benefitting Grand Forks Air Force Base, but also providing a template for UAS activities at installations across the country

“Project ULTRA is all about realizing the potential of unmanned aircraft to support a wide range of defense operations, from logistics to countering threats from other drones. By funding this new $3.5 million task order, we are bringing this exciting initiative into its next phase, which involves conducting cargo test flights between Grand Forks and Cavalier using UAS,” said Hoeven. “Further, with up to $7 million secured in the Senate’s FY2025 funding legislation, we are positioned to continue supporting Project ULTRA’s operations in the years to come.”

Project ULTRA includes the development of practical UAS applications like supply delivery, base inspections and installation security. The initiative received an open contract valued at up to $18.25 million and can continue to receive funding in subsequent years. The project partners include:

  • GrandSky.
  • The Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
  • Simulyze.
  • Scientific Applications and Research Associates (SARA).
  • Modern Technology Solutions International (MTSI).
  • Perikin.
  • Aura Networks.

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