Project ULTRA brings defense, federal, state, and industry partners together to test, operate, and scale unmanned aircraft systems in military and national airspace.
MISSION
WHAT PROJECT ULTRA DOES
Project ULTRA supports the Department of Defense’s effort to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into real operating environments. The program focuses on practical mission needs: logistics operations, BVLOS flight execution, airspace coordination, counter-UAS alignment, and technology evaluation. Project ULTRA gives defense and federal stakeholders a structured way to test UAS capabilities, collect operational data, coordinate across agencies, and inform future requirements.
OUSD(A&S) EFFORT LED
IDIQ FUNDED PROGRAM
GRAND FORKS COUNTY PRIME CONTRACTOR
ACTIVE UAS LOGISTICS OPERATIONS
DEFENSE, FEDERAL, & INDUSTRY PARTNER ECOSYSTEM
WORK COMPLETED
FROM SIMULATION TO LIVE FLIGHT
Project ULTRA uses a phased task order structure. Each phase builds operational knowledge, reduces risk, and moves the program closer to repeatable mission execution.
TO1: SIMULATION & SYSTEMS VALIDATION
Task Order One focused on simulation, system integration, and operational planning. The Project ULTRA team used high-fidelity simulations to evaluate how UAS could operate between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station. These simulations allowed the team to test airspace coordination, route planning, contingency procedures, and system performance before live flight operations began.
Task Order One supported:
- Simulated logistics flights between Grand Forks AFB and Cavalier Space Force Station
- BVLOS route planning
- Airspace deconfliction scenarios
- Lost link and contingency planning
- Weather diversion scenarios
- Coordination between federal, state, military, and industry partners
- ASIS CORE validation and system integration
Task Order One gave the program the procedures, data, and system confidence needed to move into live flight operations.
TO2: LIVE FLIGHT OPERATIONS
Task Order Two moved Project ULTRA from simulation to live flight. This phase focused on UAS logistics operations between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station. Flights used established coordination procedures, airspace approvals, ground-based surveillance, mission planning systems, and live operational oversight.
Task Order Two supported:
- Live BVLOS flight operations
- Cargo transport between military installations
- Operations through Class D and Class E airspace
- Ground-based sense and avoid support
- Live telemetry and radar integration
- Air traffic coordination
- ASIS CORE mission support
- Operational data collection for DoD, FAA, and industry stakeholders
These flights provided practical insight into how UAS logistics can support defense operations and future mission planning.
APPROVALS and WAIVERS
Project ULTRA operations depend on formal airspace, safety, and communications approvals.
NPUASTS Waiver 2024-CSA-15960-44803: This waiver allows operations with UAS up to 1,320 pounds at or below 17,999 feet MSL within the DASR wedge.
FCC and Spectrum Coordination: Spectrum coordination supports aircraft communications and mission systems. NAVAIR is supporting this work, including FCC licensing and ZPX Bravo coordination.
ETP Waiver: The Extended Test Plan package supports expanded test operations and operating envelope development.
Letter of Authorization: The Northern Plains UAS Test Site has signed as a tenant to the Grand Forks AFB and GrandSKY Letter of Authorization.
These approvals help Project ULTRA execute live operations under defined safety and coordination requirements.
TO3 – WORK UNDERWAY
SUSTAINED LOGISTICS OPERATIONS & cUAS AIRSPACE COORDINATION
Project ULTRA’s current work is focused on Task Order 3, which advances the program from live flight demonstration toward sustained mission execution, expanded airspace coordination, and technology integration. Task Order Three is focused on:
- Sustained logistics operations between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station
- Continued ASIS CORE development and mission support
- Counter-UAS airspace coordination with federal partners
- Evaluation of technologies for future task orders
- Planning and contracting activity for upcoming program phases
SUSTAINED LOGISTICS OPERATIONS
Under Task Order 3, Project ULTRA is working to support sustained UAS logistics operations between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station. This work builds on Task Order 2 and supports future opportunities to expand UAS logistics operations elsewhere in North Dakota and other defense-relevant environments.
COUNTER-UAS AIRSPACE COORDINATION
Task Order 3 also expands Project ULTRA into counter-UAS airspace coordination. This work focuses on aligning airspace awareness, mission coordination, and operating procedures with federal partners supporting counter-UAS activity. The objective is to help ensure UAS and counter-UAS operations can be coordinated safely in complex operating environments.
FUTURE TASK ORDERS
Future task orders will continue to expand Project ULTRA’s mission applications, partner participation, and technology integration. Task Order Four is currently in the contracting process and has not started yet.
TEAM & PARTNERS
THE PROJECT ULTRA TEAM
Project ULTRA brings together federal, military, state, and industry participants with defined roles. The program depends on clear coordination. Each participant contributes to a specific part of the mission, from contracting and program oversight to flight operations, safety, airspace coordination, aircraft operation, and technology integration.
Serves as the prime contractor for Project ULTRA and manages the contract structure.
Serves as lead facilitator and operational hub, supporting infrastructure, coordination, and mission execution.
Supports safety, FAA coordination, waivers, regulatory alignment, and test site integration.
FEDERAL AND GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
SUBMIT YOUR TECHNOLOGY
BRING RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY TO PROJECT ULTRA
Project ULTRA provides a pathway for companies to share technologies that may support future UAS, logistics, airspace coordination, counter-UAS, and mission support requirements. Submitted information may be reviewed by the Project ULTRA team and routed to appropriate government stakeholders for consideration. Project ULTRA does not guarantee selection, funding, contract award, or program participation. Participation decisions are made by the appropriate government authorities.
PROJECT ULTRA IS BUILDING THE FRAMEWORK FOR WHAT COMES NEXT.
Submit relevant technology, learn about current operations, or connect with the Project ULTRA team.
