AAI Corporation
Shadow, Aerosonde and UAS training
Cirrus Design
Airframe, Emergency Recovery and Avionics Applications
Frasca International
UAS Simulator Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors (LMMS2) has agreed to provide the University
of North Dakota (UND) with access to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as part of
$1M of in-kind support for UAV studies. "We are really thrilled about Lockheed Martin’s
contribution and developing this exciting partnership," said Dr. Bruce Smith, Dean
of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. UND is represented by the Odegard
School, the School of Engineering and Mines, the Northern Plains Center for Behavioral
Research (Nursing and Psychology), and the Center for Innovation as partners in
competition for a $3.4 million grant from the North Dakota Center of Excellence
Commission for Economic Development. According to Smith, "Since private industry
moves at such a rapid pace, it is extremely important to capitalize on this Lockheed
Martin opportunity." If awarded, the grant will facilitate the transfer of UAV research
and development at the University to promote private sector UAV-industry job growth
in Grand Forks. Smith added, "We will have an operational UAV available for test
flights as early as this spring."
Lockheed Martin’s in-kind support will include:
1. providing specialized training of UND students who are actively pursuing UAV
studies;
2. providing access to UAVs developed by LMMS2 including the Sky Spirit vehicle
3. providing UAV technical consulting and technical information
4. providing UAV documentation to assist students in specific projects, courses,
or curriculum
5. providing access to Ground Control Station(s) for specific UAVs.
In the Statement of Commitment letter, Richard Rose, LMMS2 Contract Negotiator,
indicated that, "Providing support will enhance academic opportunities for the University
of North Dakota and the UAV Center of Excellence at the University, increase the
marketability of UAVs, provide practical "hands-on" experience with UAVs, and increase
the tasking opportunities for UAVs."
The Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research, Education and Training at UND will provide the conduit for private industry
to bring new UAV- and related business ventures to North Dakota. Rose added that,
"We (LMMS2) contemplate that the University of North Dakota will provide returned
value to Lockheed Martin that is available within the academic community and the
School of Aerospace Studies. Our current interaction with the United States Air
Force and other organizations in the UAV arena should foster expansion of the UAV
program at Grand Forks AFB thus further increasing opportunities for UAV projects
within the School of Aerospace Studies and at the Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research, Education and Training."
For further information about Lockheed Martin and/or its relationship to UND in
the UAV field of study, contact Richard L. Rose, Contract Negotiator, at 651-456-4784
or at Richard.l.rose@lmco.com.
