Categories : Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., has been recognized for his work in establishing and expanding the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry in North Dakota.
Executives from Altavian and ComDel Innovations presented the senator with Altavian’s Nova F6500 UAS, which was manufactured at ComDel’s plant in Wahpeton, N.D., and will be displayed at Hoeven’s Washington, D.C., office.
In May, Hoeven brought together execs from ComDel and Altavian, as well as public leaders, to mark the roll-out of the first UAS manufactured in the state. The Commercial UAS Modernization Act was also introduced that month by Sens. Hoeven and Cory Booker, D-N.J., to set interim operating guidelines for small commercial UAS before the FAA finalizes its rules for operations. (UAO spoke with the senator about the legislation; coverage can be found here.)
He has worked closely with the U.S. Air Force and local entities establish the Grand Sky technology park at Grand Forks Air Force Base and led the effort to establish the six national UAS test sites, including the Northern Plains UAS test site in North Dakota.
Additionally, Hoeven was invited to speak at Google’s UAS seminar in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, where he pitched Grand Sky and the state as an ideal location for UAS businesses and training facilities.
“We have had many exciting developments in North Dakota’s UAS community over the past few years, and the industry has truly reached a critical mass,” the senator says. “Our state is not only a leader in the military applications of UAS, but companies right here in Fargo are on the forefront on commercializing this technology.
“Our business leaders are investing their time, money and expertise to develop their products, which have uses across a wide range of fields. We continue working to support their efforts by providing the regulatory certainty they need and pushing forward on airspace integration – which will keep us at the cutting edge of this dynamic industry.”
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