General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has opened a Remote Split Operation facility near Grand Forks, North Dakota, to remotely fly MQ-9A missions supporting U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The facility, at the company’s Flight Test & Training Center, will support an existing company-owned, company-operated lease. GA-ASI plans to move pilots from Africa to the US, reducing the personnel deployed overseas. Senator John Hoeven and GA-ASI chief executive Linden Blue attended the opening on 30 October.
The arrangement changes where the missions are controlled, not the underlying aircraft lease. GA-ASI expects the facility to reduce the number of personnel required overseas and improve staff safety. Hoeven estimated the move would save AFRICOM more than $10 million annually; the basis for that projection has not been disclosed.
GA-ASI expects the site to support approximately 50 jobs in the Grand Forks community. The company has not specified how many personnel will relocate or when missions will begin operating from the facility. The opening does not involve a new aircraft order or contract.