GRAND FORKS, N.D. – More than 350 professionals associated with the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry gathered for the seventh annual Red River Valley Research Corridor UAS Action Summit, May 30-31, 2013, at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D., to learn about current and trending UAS technologies, practices, platforms and issues facing this rapidly growing industry.
This year’s theme “Where The Future Gets Its Flight Plan: Global Destination for the UAS Industry” focused on worldwide industry growth potential and expansion to civil and commercial markets.
According to summit organizers, the Grand Forks region is becoming an epicenter for UAS activity. The Air Force Base and Customs and Border Protection in Grand Forks already fly UAS missions, and regional universities, colleges and other aviation organizations support the UAS mission.
Presenters included UAS federal agency officials, universities and commercial entities who covered topics such as international airspace integration; UAS uses in precision agriculture; commercial, civil and military applications; and privacy, legal, moral and ethical implications of the industry.
Summit participants also witnessed a strategic signing ceremony between North Dakota congressional leaders, Northrop Grumman, the University of North Dakota (UND) and Northland Community & Technical College. This agreement is the first of its kind and forms a unique alliance to provide specialized education, UAS operations training and advanced employment opportunities. Additionally, Grand Forks County and the Air Force Base in Grand Forks unveiled plans for “Grand Sky,” a new state-of-the-art business and technology park dedicated to supporting all phases of UAS development.
U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, along with the Red River Valley Research Corridor, Northrop Grumman and the City of Grand Forks co-hosted the UAS Action Summit. The 2014 Research Corridor UAS Action Summit is scheduled for August 26-27 in Grand Forks, N.D.
