Project ULTRA, a leading initiative to accelerate integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS), has officially received approval for Task Order 2. With $3.49 million in funding approved by the Office of Undersecretary of Defense (A&S) and Grand Forks County, Task Order 2 will focus on transitioning from simulations to live flight operations, taking a significant step toward advancing air traffic management technology and logistics.
Task Order 2, scheduled from September 30, 2024 to September 29, 2025, marks the beginning of actual logistics flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) and Cavalier Space Force Station (CSFS). These flights will validate the real-world application of the AirSpace Integration Services (ASIS) and selected UAS platforms, moving beyond the simulations completed in Task Order 1. The UAS will transport cargo across approximately 50 miles, flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) through both civilian and military-controlled airspace.
“This milestone highlights our transition from theory and simulation to real world flight operations,” said Chris Hewlett, Director of Project ULTRA. “With live flights, we are excited to apply everything we’ve learned to date in Task Order 1 and demonstrate our ability to integrate UAS into the National Airspace System safely and efficiently.”
Task Order 2 is notable for several reasons:
- Flights will take place in the National Airspace System, requiring coordination with the FAA to obtain the necessary authorizations and waivers for safe operation.
- The UAS will fly roughly 50 miles, one way, transporting cargo between GFAFB and CSFS, two military bases, crossing from civilian into military airspace and back again.
- Safety risk management will remain a top priority. ASIS systems, along with GrandSKY’s BVLOS Ground-Based Sense and Avoid (GBSAA) system, will ensure real-time airspace awareness and safety throughout the flight. GrandSKY’s BVLOS system, which has been is use for over five years, will provide an additional layer of security during the operation.
Project ULTRA is in year two of a five-year ID/IQ contract. The total contract value is $18.25 million, with $12.25 million in funding remaining for future tasks. Task Order 1, which was funded at $2.49 million, focused on assembling and deploying the systems that demonstrated ASIS capabilities through simulations. Now, with Task Order 2, Project ULTRA will apply these systems to real-world flights, showcasing the research and technological advancements made in collaboration with NASA and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). Task Order 2 will also allow the Grand Forks County Team to bring additional collaboration partners and vendors to the project.
Project ULTRA represents a groundbreaking contract aimed at integrating safe UAS operations into the combined military and civilian environment, a challenge encountered daily in the Grand Forks region and at GrandSKY. The lessons learned from Task Order 2 will have implications not only for future UAS logistics missions but also for UAS integration and next generation traffic management of airspace throughout the United States.
“Project ULTRA is creating the opportunity to solve real world challenges in a safe and secure air space,” said Tom Swoyer, President of GrandSKY. “We are pleased to be a part of ULTRA network.”
The Grand Forks County Team for Project ULTRA includes key partners such as Grand Forks County, GrandSKY, Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Simulyze, CScott Solutions, POI Federal, Aura Networks, and MTSI. Additional partners are expected to join the team as the project advances.
“Conducting real flights has always been a goal of ULTRA,” said Hewlett. “It allows us to bring together the outstanding research done by NASA and AFRL around increased airspace safety and awareness. Now we’re thrilled to put that research to operational test in real-world conditions.”
About Project ULTRAProject ULTRA (UAS Logistics, Traffic, Response, and Autonomy) was initiated to meet the Department of Defense’s goal of integrating emerging UAS technologies into the National Airspace System. Supported by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisitions and Sustainment, the project focuses on advancing UAS traffic management and safety protocols for both military and civilian airspace.About GrandSKYGrandSKY is a UAS-focused flight operations center located on Grand Forks AFB in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. The 217-acre flight center provides Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) tenants and partners with unmatched research, development, training, and testing amenities. GrandSKY leverages access to the Air Force runway and tower support with commercial amenities and investment through a unique public-private partnership supporting civilian and military flight UAS flight operations. GrandSKY has been offering industry leading amenities such as over 11,000 square miles of BVLOS capability and 24/7 operations.
Source: GrandSKY