From
bakken.com:
An Air Force installation in North Dakota has been trying to find its
niche since its mission was changed a few years ago from refueling
tankers to unmanned aircraft. Its focus might one day be at the top of
the world.
The state’s two U.S. senators have been promoting the idea of an
Arctic mission for the Grand Forks Air Force Base, which is located
about 90 miles from the border with Canada. The 319th Air Base Wing now
focuses on the launch, recovery and maintenance of drones, which would
be preferred over manned missions in the hostile northernmost
conditions.
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula, dean at the Mitchell
Institute for Aerospace Studies, said the North Dakota base should be
part of a team effort to help the country gain a presence in the Arctic
region.
“Maintaining peace and stability and open access to the Arctic is in
everybody’s best interest,” Deptula said. “Grand Forks is a logical
focal point in the northern United States that provides the access and
the infrastructure that is already available and operating.”
The Grand Forks base is home to three unmanned aircraft models,
including the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The Global Hawk is considered
particularly valuable because it can conduct long-range missions, fly at
60,000 feet and roam in a particular area for 24 hours or more.
The base also shares space and a runway with the nation’s first
unmanned aircraft tech park, Grand Sky, which has major defense
contractors and drone makers Northrop Grumman and General Atomics
Aeronautical Systems Inc. It’s likely that the U.S. will need help from
the private sector to further its Arctic plans.
Much, much more at the link.
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