Hoeven continues push to secure beyond-line-of-sight operations for North Dakota test site

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) continued his push on Tuesday to further North Dakota’s role in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) development and integration into the national airspace at the Unmanned Aerial Systems Summit and Expo in Grand Forks, N.D.

“What we’re seeing in Grand Forks are the synergies possible when you bring the right elements together,” Hoeven said. “We have tremendous opportunities coming down the pipeline with the military, government and private sector all working side by side to research and develop UAS technology. To help them, we are working to secure approval for beyond-line-of-sight operations, fund upgrades to the DASR-11 radar system and forge future partnerships with NASA. Each of these steps forward, combined with all of our past efforts, will enable new advancements and further establish North Dakota as a leader in UAS.”

Hoeven said that the proximity of the Grand Forks Air Force Base, the Grand Sky Technology Park and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site could be leveraged to further the state’s role as a hub for UAS research, development and training.

Hoeven has been attempting to secure Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for beyond-line-of-sight operations by the end of the year, which would make it the first state in the nation to have such operability. If approved, commercial UAS testing could be conducted without ground observers and a manned chase airplane. Additionally, FAA approval could lead to more research opportunities for the state.

The FAA has not given a timetable for their decision at this time.