Modern Technology Solutions donates uncrewed aircraft to UND Aerospace
Partnership will supplement region’s UAS ecosystem, provide experiential learning opportunities, say UND and local UAS leaders
Last week, campus leaders and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) executives gathered to celebrate a partnership that will benefit both UND students and the region’s major industry players.
Speaking at UND’s Robin Hall, leaders of Modern Technology Solutions Incorporated (MTSI), announced the donation of three Responsive Airborne Test Solution (RATS) aircraft to the University. The aircraft – which will be delivered in the coming months – have a wide range of applications including remote sensing, disaster response and border surveillance.
Robert Kraus, dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, called the partnership with MTSI “a testament to UND’s UAS program” and the growing ecosystem in Grand Forks.
“We’ve established enough of a reputation through our capabilities and our ability to work with companies through the Center for Innovation and UND Alumni Association & Foundation,” he said.
MTSI, which has been active in North Dakota since 2015, has a breadth of experience partnering with federal entities, including NASA and U.S. Customs & Border Protection. MTSI has trained agents of the latter on threats posed by unidentified small UAS, as well as using drones to interdict narcotics and detect illegal migration.
Jason Saldana, vice president of strategic development for MTSI, said UND, Grand Forks and the state serve as proving grounds for defense technology.
“Everyone sees North Dakota as that flashing light of where innovation is happening,” Saldana said. “We’re helping the next generation of engineers, software developers and autonomous leaders build and grow where our Department of Defense needs to go.”
In addition to supporting the region’s commercial and military UAS missions, the aircraft will provide UND students with experiential learning opportunities, said Scott Snyder, vice president of Research & Economic Development at UND.
“I see this as fitting into that broader picture of training UND students to create the workforce that will be of great utility to MTSI, and we do hope that you grow your presence here,” he said. “Students are at the heart of what we do, and this gift will provide a great opportunity for them to better understand different technologies in the UAS field.”
