Local officials from Grand Forks, N.D., have started exploring options for the post-BRAC life of Grand Forks Air Force Base, according to the Grand Forks Herald. Grand Forks, the base, will lose its KC-135 tanker mission as part of BRAC 2005 actions, but it is slated to pick up a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle operation. City officials say they plan to work with DOD’s Office of Economic Adjustment and other nearby communities. The Air National Guard unit at Fargo, N.D., already is looking to piggyback on the Grand Forks Predator mission. And, the state is setting up a UAV center of excellence at the University of North Dakota, which has enlisted the aid of Lockheed Martin. It would seem North Dakota is well ahead of the game.
Anduril and General Atomics will develop their Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the Air Force, beating out Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, the service announced on April 24. But any of the non-selected companies can compete to actually manufacture the eventual design the Air Force said.