Dakota—GrandSKY, the nation’s premier UAS flight operations center, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Over the last decade, it has been pivotal in positioning North Dakota as the destination for UAS aerospace innovation.
“GrandSKY is a catalyst for North Dakota’s aerospace future,” GrandSKY President Tom Swoyer said. “We’re proud to have united industry leaders, state and federal elected leaders, government agencies, defense organizations and academic partners. Together we have built a world-class infrastructure that supports workforce development, fosters an innovation-driven ecosystem, and attracts top aerospace companies to secure long-term economic benefits for the state.”
Since 2015, GrandSKY has helped position North Dakota as a premier aerospace hub through public-private partnerships. The results include more than 269 skilled jobs with an average annual salary of nearly $118,000. The private sector has invested more than $159 million, a $4.81 return on every $1 of the $33 million the state has invested.
“North Dakota’s elected leaders have seen the value of supporting GrandSKY and helped to create this ecosystem where aerospace companies thrive, jobs grow, and North Dakota leads,” Swoyer said. “Aerospace innovation starts with world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and advanced capabilities. That’s exactly what GrandSKY has delivered over the past decade.”
The burgeoning public/private partnership between Grand Forks County, Grand Forks Air Force Base and GrandSKY is vital to the project’s success. The partnership directly supported game-changing work like Project ULTRA. “We expect to win more contracts like ULTRA and bring more jobs and operational test and evaluation work to Grand Forks,” Swoyer said.
It’s why tenants like General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, Kratos, and Test Resource Management Center prefer the 217-acre flight center for flight demonstration and testing. The site provides access to over 11,000 sq. miles of uncongested BVLOS airspace, world-class support services, a skilled workforce, unmatched business and community support, and local and state incentive programs.
“We are so grateful to North Dakota’s elected leaders and everyone who has helped GrandSKY succeed in our first decade,” Swoyer said. “So many individuals, agencies, and organizations helped us put North Dakota on the map as a leader in aerospace innovation and development, and blaze a committed, exciting path forward.”
About GrandSKY
GrandSKY is a UAS-focused flight operations center 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 UAS flight operations. GrandSKY has been offering industry-leading amenities such as over 11,000 square miles of BVLOS capability and 24/7 operations. For more information, visit grandskynd.com.