The new GA-ASI hangar at FTTC is expected to serve a range of purposes, including international crew training, aircraft storage, and maintenance.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) marked a significant milestone on August 9, 2023, with the grand opening of its latest hangar at the Grand Sky Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Business Park near Grand Forks, North Dakota. The event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, commemorated the inauguration of the new hangar at GA-ASI’s Flight Test & Training Center (FTTC).
Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI said, “We’re excited to open another permanent hangar at our Flight Test & Training Center in North Dakota. The new hangar represents our ongoing investment in test and training capabilities that provide our customers with a world-class facility to train aircrews in the operation of our aircraft.”
As a global frontrunner in UAS technology, GA-ASI is renowned for producing some of the world’s most prolific unmanned aircraft, including the Predator, Reaper, Gray Eagle, Avenger, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian. With over three decades in the industry, the company has delivered more than 1,000 aircraft and, in July, proudly announced that its UAS lineup had collectively surpassed 8 million flight hours, contributing significantly to global security efforts.
John Hoeven, Senator, USA said, “This new hangar is part of General Atomics’ growing footprint in North Dakota. It’s only fitting that General Atomics, the premier private sector trainer of unmanned aircraft pilots, is dedicating this new facility here in Grand Forks, home of the premier school of aviation in the world. We welcome this new investment and the ongoing partnerships that are helping North Dakota lead the way in unmanned aircraft operations.”
The grand opening event was graced by esteemed guests, including U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski, North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller, and GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. The new hangar is expected to serve a range of purposes, including international crew training, aircraft storage, and maintenance. Furthermore, the facility will house two GA-ASI Certified Ground Control Stations (CGCSs) with provisions for the addition of more CGCS units as needed. The FTTC, established in 2016, continues to evolve as a center of excellence for UAS operations.
Kevin Cramer, Senator, USA said, “General Atomics is a proven leader in unmanned aerial systems and a vital partner in North Dakota as we expand our UAS expertise. Today’s grand opening celebrates the Flight Test & Training Center, which is essential in addressing the high demand for flight crew training and sensor system testing. Continued investment from General Atomics in Grand Forks illustrates the success of the UAS ecosystem North Dakota has created.”
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The new hangar is a testament to GA-ASI’s commitment to advancing UAS capabilities and innovation. It will undoubtedly bolster North Dakota’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge UAS technology development and contribute to the ongoing growth of the UAS industry on a global scale. With this new addition, GA-ASI solidifies its position as a key player in shaping the future of unmanned aviation, fostering collaboration, and enabling safer and more efficient flight operations.
