Hoeven Working to Recruit Raytheon to Grand Forks, Showcases Dynamic UAS Tech Environment in North Dakota

Press Release

Senator John Hoeven today hosted Raytheon Company executives for a tour of Grand Sky Technology Park, followed by a roundtable at the Center for Innovation with Grand Forks leaders in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sector. The senator highlighted the infrastructure and expertise in North Dakota's UAS sector and the opportunities for Raytheon to develop its radar and sensing technologies, as well as other high-tech electronic products, in the vibrant UAS technology environment offered by the region.

"We brought officials from Raytheon to Grand Forks to highlight the kind of dynamic UAS technology and business environment we can offer them -- an environment they won't find anywhere elsewhere," Hoeven said. "We've just passed the new FAA bill, which includes our legislation to extend the UAS test sites' authorization for three more years, and we're working to get the FAA to approve beyond-line-of-site operations, which means companies would no longer need manned chase planes or ground based observers to test new technologies. This is an important consideration for a company like Raytheon that develops electronic sensor and radar technology."

Raytheon Company is a major defense industry contractor that specializes in weapons, military and commercial electronics, including air traffic control systems, radar and sensing technology.

The company designed and manufactures the Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS) on Northrup Grumman's Global Hawk UAS, which is stationed in North Dakota. The technology can accurately pinpoint stationary or moving targets and transmit imagery and position information from 60,000 feet with near real-time speed and clarity. Northrup Grumman is already a tenant in Grand Sky Technology Park.

Representatives from the University of North Dakota's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Science; Grand Sky Business and Technology Park; the Northern Plains UAS Test Site; the Grand Forks Economic Development Corporation; and the Base Realignment Impact Committee (BRIC) showcased the advantages of locating a Raytheon facility in North Dakota's growing hub for UAS technology research, development and trainin

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