The DoD has a long-term goal of enabling routine, efficient, safe, and secure airspace access and integration for uncrewed and autonomous operations within both civilian and military airspaces. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)) leads this effort, addressing technical, operational, and regulatory challenges associated with normalizing UAS operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). Project ULTRA was created to advance these goals through collaboration with federal, state, and industry partners. Project ULTRA is funded through an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling of $18.25 million over five years.
OUR MISSION
UAS Traffic Management (TM)
Project ULTRA is focused on advancing TM systems to enable safe and efficient integrated airspace operations. Advanced TM systems similar to ULTRA’s AirSpace Integration Service (ASIS) core are crucial for managing the complex and growing number of UAS in both civilian and military airspaces. By developing and testing these systems, Project ULTRA aims to integrate UAS seamlessly into the NAS, ensuring that they can operate alongside traditional aircraft without compromising safety or efficiency. The project involves collaboration with key stakeholders to validate use cases and refine TM technologies through rigorous simulations and live testing.
Counter-UAS (cUAS)
The implementation of Counter-UAS (cUAS) technologies is another critical aspect of Project ULTRA. With the increasing use of drones, unauthorized or malicious UAS activity poses a significant threat to national security. Project ULTRA has a mandate to test and evaluate scalable cUAS technologies that can detect, track, and neutralize these threats, thereby enhancing the security of military bases and other sensitive installations. This initiative not only improves defense capabilities but also integrates these technologies with broader traffic management systems to maintain a secure and controlled airspace
Small UAS (sUAS) Applications
Small UAS (sUAS) are being increasingly utilized for a variety of non-combat roles within military operations, and Project ULTRA is at the forefront of exploring these applications. From logistics and supply delivery to surveillance and base inspections, sUAS offer flexible, precise, and efficient solutions that enhance operational capabilities. The project includes the development of new technologies and operational concepts that enable these small drones to perform critical tasks, especially in environments that are beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). These advancements are aimed at making sUAS a reliable and integral part of military and civilian operations.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Demonstrate sustainable, replicable, and scalable UAS technologies
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Showcase beneficial uses of UAS in military airspace
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Enable scalable UAS operations within NAS, integrating with existing air traffic management systems
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Support in-theater/on-base operations, enhancing DoD capabilities
TASK ORDER 1
From Simulation to Reality: Project ULTRA is Shaping the Future of UAS Operations
The project is structured around task orders focused on validation of UAS technologies through simulation, operationa test and evaluation (OT&E) and, advanced live demonstrations towards the development of implementation of systems for real-world application. Project ULTRA is positioned to significantly enhance the DoD’s operational capabilities and set new standards for UAS usage in both military and civilian sectors.
The Task Order 1 objectives are to test the current Federal UAS Service Suppliers (F-USS) NASA and AFRL systems through a simulated flight between GrandSKY and Cavalier Space Force Station, and to develop and implement ULTRA’s ASIS core as the backbone for Task Order 2 and beyond, incorporating the eventual live flight OT&E and demonstration efforts.
THE TEAM
A Unified Force Driving UAS Innovation: The Project ULTRA Ecosystem
At the heart of Project ULTRA is a powerhouse ecosystem of industry leaders and pioneers in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology. Anchored by Grand Forks County, GrandSKY, and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, this coalition represents a convergence of expertise, infrastructure, and innovation. The depth of collaboration within Project ULTRA fosters an environment where breakthrough innovations thrive, and the future of UAS operations is continuously redefined.
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For more information about Project ULTRA, contact:
Christopher Hewlett
Director, Project ULTRA
M: (571) 212-4062
CHewlettCTR@grandskynd.com