Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven and BlueHalo representatives have announced the expansion of BlueHalo's operations to the Grand Forks region in North Dakota. This move is aimed at enhancing defense-related activities, such as counter-drone operations, and connecting with the area's burgeoning space initiatives.

BlueHalo has signed a memorandum of understanding with GrandSKY to install its VigilantHalo system at the unmanned aerial systems technology park. This installation supports Project ULTRA, which seeks to establish Grand Forks as a testing ground for technologies designed to protect U.S. military installations from unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The VigilantHalo system will improve Project ULTRA's capabilities by linking various sensor systems with unfiltered radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The company will also provide on-site support for the Sky Range program, managed by the Test Resource Management Center at GrandSKY. This involves utilizing BlueHalo's PANTHER phased array antenna technology to transform Global Hawks into Range Hawks for tracking hypersonic missiles and other threats while maintaining satellite communication. Additionally, BlueHalo will collaborate with the University of North Dakota on further development of phased array technology.

Efforts are underway to adapt this technology for space-based platforms, including missions at Grand Forks Air Force Base. The STAPS Project, funded by $8.3 million secured by Hoeven in Fiscal Year 2024, aims to miniaturize these antennas for satellite deployment, potentially enhancing tracking capabilities in hypersonic missile testing.

"Partnerships are the foundation on which North Dakota’s UAS ecosystem is built," said Senator Hoeven. "Importantly, BlueHalo is bringing the VigilantHalo system to GrandSKY... Combined with the company’s support for Sky Range hypersonic missile testing... today’s announcement ties together North Dakota’s role in some of the most critical missions for the future of our nation’s defense."

Trip Ferguson, BlueHalo Chief Operating Officer, stated that "North Dakota is a hub for national security research... The state’s unique blend of leaders like Senator Hoeven who understand these urgent priorities... is creating an environment of rapid innovation."

GrandSKY President Tom Swoyer Jr. commented on the collaboration: "This agreement with BlueHalo allows GrandSKY to further expand its capabilities in BVLOS operations... strengthening the safety and efficiency of uncrewed flights."

VigilantHalo will enhance UAS traffic management and detect-and-avoid capabilities under Project ULTRA. It supports efforts led by Senator Hoeven to expand Project ULTRA's scope in developing tools against malicious drone use.