EPISODE · May 23, 2025 · 27 MIN
How North Dakota Is Building the Largest BVLOS Drone Network in the U.S.?
from Hangar X Studios · host John Ramstead
In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with North Dakota State Senator Jeff Barta at the Hive in Grand Forks. They explore how state funding and public–private partnerships are driving the expansion of UAS (Uncrewed Aerial Systems) infrastructure across North Dakota—from the Northern Plains test site to the ambitious Rural Reach project. Senator Barta shares personal insights on how drone-enabled beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations can revolutionize rural healthcare delivery, agriculture, and energy services, all while fostering economic development and innovation in the state. Episode Highlights Senator Barta’s journey from local chamber board member to champion of UAS infrastructure How North Dakota expanded its UAS test site from 3,600 to 54,000 square miles The Rural Reach project: delivering life-saving medications beyond visual line of sight Bridging the “valley of death” between research and commercialization through SBIR/STTR programs The symbiotic relationship between North Dakota’s energy sector and UAS startups Senator Barta’s vision for future applications—air ambulances and precision agriculture Key Points & Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction: Senator Barta on translating research into real-world innovation 00:01:13 – Senator Barta joins live from Grand Forks, ND, after legislative session 00:02:26 – Early involvement: funding grants and the Northern Plains test site 00:05:09 – State investment of $11 million to expand FAA radar coverage statewide 00:06:25 – Defining BVLOS and its impact on drone services 00:06:44 – Rural Reach project overview and partnership with Eyesight for medicine delivery 00:07:48 – Case study: insulin delivery on the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation 00:08:44 – Life-saving surfactant delivery story from Barta’s personal experience 00:12:36 – Cente...
What this episode covers
In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with North Dakota State Senator Jeff Barta at the Hive in Grand Forks. They explore how state funding and public–private partnerships are driving the expansion of UAS (Uncrewed Aerial Systems) infrastructure across North Dakota—from the Northern Plains test site to the ambitious Rural Reach project. Senator Barta shares personal insights on how drone-enabled beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations can revolutionize rural healthcare delivery, agriculture, and energy services, all while fostering economic development and innovation in the state. Episode Highlights Senator Barta’s journey from local chamber board member to champion of UAS infrastructure How North Dakota expanded its UAS test site from 3,600 to 54,000 square miles The Rural Reach project: delivering life-saving medications beyond visual line of sight Bridging the “valley of death” between research and commercialization through SBIR/STTR programs The symbiotic relationship between North Dakota’s energy sector and UAS startups Senator Barta’s vision for future applications—air ambulances and precision agriculture Key Points & Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction: Senator Barta on translating research into real-world innovation 00:01:13 – Senator Barta joins live from Grand Forks, ND, after legislative session 00:02:26 – Early involvement: funding grants and the Northern Plains test site 00:05:09 – State investment of $11 million to expand FAA radar coverage statewide 00:06:25 – Defining BVLOS and its impact on drone services 00:06:44 – Rural Reach project overview and partnership with Eyesight for medicine delivery 00:07:48 – Case study: insulin delivery on the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation 00:08:44 – Life-saving surfactant delivery story from Barta’s personal experience 00:12:36 – Cente...
NOW PLAYING
How North Dakota Is Building the Largest BVLOS Drone Network in the U.S.?
No transcript for this episode yet