The University of North Dakota and L-3 Simulation & Training (L-3 Link), together with state and federal dignitaries, dedicated the UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center at Grand Forks Air Force Base on Wednesday this week.
The training facility is made possible in large part by funding from a $5 million state Centers of Excellence Enhancement grant ($2.8 million for the training facility), approved under the state Centers of Excellence programme, which was established by Senator John Hoeven during his term as governor of North Dakota. The grant funded the necessary remodelling of Building 607 and the staffing of the facility; the grant also helped with the purchase from L-3 Link of a Predator Mission Aircrew Training System (PMATS), a state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft simulator that will be the cornerstone of the center. UND will be the first civilian operator of the PMATS.
The new UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Center — the latest addition to UND’s growing UAS presence in the region — is an integral part of the UND Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence programme that was established in 2006.
David Dvorak and Greg Williamson watch as Dvorak manually lands the Bruce Tharpe Engineering SuperHauler unmanned aircraft at Camp Grafton South, North Dakota. Grand Forks Herald photo by Sarah Kolberg
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence (UAS COE) performs research and development on UAS technologies, applications, and UAS human factors issues. The UAS COE also focuses on education and training for UAS integration into the national airspace system. Additionally, the center encourages commercialization of new UAS-related products and services and promotes private sector job growth within the state of North Dakota.
The UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Center is the result of an agreement between UND and U.S. Air Force to locate the facility at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple and Senator John Hoeven joined UND and Grand Forks Air Force Base officials at the facility in February to sign a historic agreement that will help to make Grand Forks a world-class hub for UAS technology, commerce, research and training.
The UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Center is currently set up to accommodate 24 students in the classroom area with plans to make it usable for 30 in the future. There are two PMATS rooms; one will be operational immediately, the other will be available as training demand expands.
The facility also has a self-study library area with e-mail capability, student work areas, kitchenette services, a conference room with UAS-themed artwork as well as office and meeting space for L-3 Link and UND employees. The facility will initially occupy about 5,000 square feet of space with the option to expand to 9,000- 10,000 if the need arises.
The new facility is yet another example of how the University of North Dakota, through creative innovation and partnerships, is building the Exceptional UND, said UND President Robert O. Kelley. “This is a great day for the University of North Dakota as we inaugurate what we believe is one of – if not THE — preeminent unmanned aircraft systems training, education and research facilities in the world,” said Kelley. “We are grateful for our partnerships with so many who have had a hand in helping us create this exceptional facility: the Grand Forks Air Force Base, which is a generous host, the Office of the Governor and other state leaders, the current and former members of our Congressional delegation, all of whom are so supportive, local leaders and organizations – the Mayor’s Office, the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Corporation and more — and L-3 Link, which has worked closely with us to put in place the needed technology.”
“L-3 Link is proud to join the University of North Dakota today in dedicating the first non-military UAS educational institution in the U.S.,” said Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. “This state-of-the-art training center will provide students with expert classroom instruction, hands-on training on a high-fidelity MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper ground control station simulator and prepare graduates to operate these advanced UAS platforms.”
Source: University of North Dakota