Project ULTRA Demonstration Validates Safe BVLOS Operations in Controlled Airspace
Skyways has completed a series of historic cargo drone flights under the Department of Defense’s Project ULTRA, marking a major step forward in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. Over 12 days, the Texas-based company conducted medium-range flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station in North Dakota.
The program showcased how unmanned aircraft can safely operate in controlled airspace under Federal Aviation Administration oversight. It also highlighted the potential of drones to support repeatable logistics missions for the military.
Flights Demonstrate Operational Viability
Skyways was the only unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) provider participating in Project ULTRA, which builds on the Navy’s Blue Water logistics UAS program. The company completed 20 operational flights, consisting of 10 round trips using its V2 aircraft. Each round trip covered more than 60 miles and carried payloads weighing up to 23 pounds, along with 8 pounds of fuel. In total, Skyways delivered 230 pounds of cargo during the demonstration.
“We proved what it takes to operate autonomous cargo aircraft in controlled airspace, under real FAA oversight,” said Andrew Fung, Skyways’ lead Flight Test Engineer at ULTRA. “Skyways is flying at high altitudes, maintaining contact with air traffic control, and navigating in the same environment as manned aircraft. That level of integration is what will unlock true long-range drone logistics at national scale.”
Medical and Emergency Capabilities
During the event, Skyways demonstrated a temperature-controlled blood delivery using its proprietary technology. The system maintained cargo at about 4°C, showing its ability to transport medical and organic supplies safely. The demonstration also included the first customer flights of the company’s V3 Block 1 aircraft, which flew BVLOS in the national airspace.
One mission required an unplanned emergency landing, which the Skyways flight test team managed successfully. This real-world scenario highlighted both the reliability of the aircraft and the skill of the operators.
Industry and Defense Significance
“Our vision is to revolutionize transportation starting with autonomous unmanned aircraft for logistics and, more importantly, to mass-produce them,” said Charles Acknin, CEO of Skyways. “This event once more proves what Skyways aircraft can do, flying real missions, under real constraints, in national airspace. To our knowledge, few if any other platforms are able to fly those missions.”
The company’s work under Project ULTRA aligns with its dual-use strategy. By validating performance in military conditions, Skyways is positioning its platform for broader commercial adoption. This demonstration follows a $37 million award from the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program to advance production of its V3 aircraft. The company also secured a $5 million credit investment from Leonid Capital Partners to accelerate production for defense customers and allies.
Building Toward Next-Generation Logistics
Skyways builds aircraft designed for both military and commercial cargo transport. Its V2 aircraft has already proven operational capability, while the V3 model extends performance with a 100-pound payload capacity, 1,000 miles of range, and over 20 hours of endurance. Both models use hybrid power systems that combine vertical lift with efficient wing-borne cruise.
Nearly 200 test flights have been conducted with the V3 platform, including long-endurance missions powered by a heavy-fuel engine. These advancements are intended to support defense and commercial customers needing reliable, long-range cargo delivery in complex environments.
Project ULTRA, managed out of GrandSKY in North Dakota, is designed to advance UAS use for critical logistics, inspection, and base security needs. Its focus on BVLOS operations provides a framework for future drone integration at defense installations across the country.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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