What:
Project RuralReach will launch its first use-case test with a long-range drone flight, demonstrating the potential of unmanned aircraft to connect rural communities with medical goods using the Vantis system.
The flight will feature a Supervolo drone operated by iSight Drone Services and showcase a 34-mile Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) journey between Williston and Watford City, N.D.
When:
Thursday, July 24, 2025
9 a.m. (weather permitting)
Where:
Launch from Williston TrainND Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) park, located at 1500 E. Dakota Parkway, Williston, N.D.
Landing at Watford City Municipal Airport, 200 12th Street Southeast, Watford City, N.D.
(One-hour drive between locations)
Flight Details:
- 34-mile flight path
- Up to 4,000 feet in altitude
- iSight drone operated on the Vantis statewide UAS network
- Estimated flight duration: ~1 hour
Why It Matters:
The flight will mark a key milestone in North Dakota’s commitment to advancing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for public benefit, improving connectivity, delivery, and emergency response across rural regions. Project RuralReach aims to demonstrate real-world drone applications in sparsely populated areas.
Visual Opportunities:
- Drone launch and landing
- Interviews with flight operators and project stakeholders
- Behind-the-scenes look at UAS flight prep and live tracking
Media Contact:
Haylee Bjork, Marketing Outreach Coordinator
Organization: UND Center for Innovation
Email: haylee.bjork@und.edu
Phone: 701.777.3281