GA-ASI Opens Remote Split Operation in North Dakota for MQ-9A Flights
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) held a ribbon cutting on October 30 at its Flight Test and Training Center to open a new Remote Split Operation facility, from which its MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft supporting U.S. Africa Command will now be flown from North Dakota, the company said.
GA-ASI, the manufacturer of the MQ-9A, will use the facility to continue its contractor-owned, contractor-operated lease of the aircraft, with pilots operating from Grand Forks rather than being stationed in Africa. Senator John Hoeven, whose office worked through the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to establish the center, said flying the missions from Grand Forks will save Africa Command more than $10 million a year while bringing a broader intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance portfolio to the state.
GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue said the facility decreases the number of personnel required overseas, significantly reducing the cost of the lease to the U.S. government and increasing personnel safety, and will bring approximately 50 well-paying jobs to the Grand Forks community.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：MQ-9 Reaper display - Aviation Nation 2019。Noah Wulf 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: MQ-9 Reaper display - Aviation Nation 2019. By Noah Wulf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
