General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) will “significantly expand” its presence on Grand Sky, the first and only fully operational civil UAS-focused research and development park in the U.S.

Under the agreement, GA-ASI will expand its current leased space of 5.5 acres to 20 acres, all located along Grand Sky’s “beachfront,” which provides immediate access to Grand Forks Air Force Base’s 12,351-foot runway. Terms of the lease are in place for 10 years.

“This announcement is validation of the value Grand Sky provides to Grand Forks and the industry as a whole,” says Thomas Swoyer, Jr., president of Grand Sky Development Company.

“Our vision from the beginning was to attract world-class companies to Grand Forks and help them grow their UAS businesses here. Today’s announced expansion certainly demonstrates that vision has become reality.” 

GA-ASI currently operates a Flight Test and Training Center in Grand Forks. Flight operations take place at Grand Sky, along with other research activities.

GA-ASI says that it plans on using its expanded footprint at Grand Sky to “support UAS aircraft and sensor testing, training and development activities.”

“We're excited to expand our footprint at Grand Sky as part of our Flight Test and Training Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota,” comments GA-ASI's CEO Linden Blue.

“This growth, from 5.5 acres to 20 acres, will benefit our customers, as well as strengthen our commitment to the Grand Forks community as we further build out our test and training capabilities.”