Senator Dorgan announces new UAS research corridor partnership

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) said today that a new Red River Valley Research Corridor initiative he worked to create will help train future operators of remotely piloted aircraft in North Dakota.

The senator announced that L-3 Link Simulation and Training will now work with the University of North Dakota’s Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Research, Education and Training to provide cutting-edge Predator and Reaper UAS operator education.

“We’ve worked to make the Grand Forks area a national center for UAS activities,” Dorgan said. “This partnership is just another example of our goal becoming a reality. Those seeking to be Predator and Reaper UAS operators now have a unique opportunity to be trained in North Dakota, boosting high-tech UAS education initiatives right here in our state.”

“L-3 Link Simulation and Training looks forward to building on its partnership with UND to create a premier UAS training center,” said Bob Birmingham, president of L-3 Link. “By providing a comprehensive curriculum and proven training technologies, which will include high-fidelity simulation of the Predator and Reaper platforms, the training center will be positioned to meet the increasing demand for qualified unmanned aircraft systems pilots and sensor operators.”

“The partnership between L-3 Communications and UND represents a significant entrance into the world of UAS pilot and sensor operator training. The world aviation community is going to take notice of this historic collaboration between these successful organizations. Training is just one element in our mission statement, which also includes research and education. This partnership will promote growth in both research and education as well,” said Al Palmer, director of UND's UAS program.

L-3 Link Simulation and Training is a division of L-3 Communications, one of the largest defense-related businesses in the U.S.

As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Dorgan secured more than $17 million in federal funding since 2005 to create the Center for UAS Research, Education and Training at UND. The center has helped North Dakota become a national hub for UAS instruction and operations.

Today’s announcement followed the fourth Red River Valley Research Corridor UAS Action Summit, which recently took place in Grand Forks May 20-21. The event focused on the role of UAS among the nation’s military forces, law enforcement, and commercial industries.

Dorgan has directed more than $694 million in federal investments to cutting-edge research, development and commercialization projects in the Red River Valley Research Corridor since 2002.

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