Northland Aerospace Expands Partnerships

Northland Community & Technical College leaders were recently invited to attend Northrop Grumman’s Industry Days at the Naval Memorial Center in Washington D.C. Held on March 7-8, 2012, President Anne Temte and Northland were highlighted for their work in the Unmanned Systems industry. Dr. Anne Temte, president, Scott Fletcher, chief operating officer of aerospace programs, and Dan Klug, chief development officer, represented Northland at the event.

“We are so privileged to have a company of Northrop’s stature as our partner in Unmanned Aerial Systems Maintenance. We are honored by their invitation to attend Industry Days and meet other partners in this vital industry. We are grateful for their continued support of Northland aerospace,” mentioned Temte.

Northrop Grumman is one of the recognized leaders in Unmanned Systems (UMS). Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are relied on more than ever for a wide range of intelligence collection capabilities – they are critical in combat, environmental and earth science research, homeland security, border and coastal patrol, hurricane and fire monitoring and other disaster relief support activities. Last year, the U.S. Air Force trained more UAS operators than fighter and bomber pilots combined. Unmanned aircraft have proven their value in operations around the world.

“Northland Community and Technical College is a very important partner for us as the demand for unmanned systems continues to increase and more importantly, the expertise that they provide for the training needs for the operators and maintainers that support them,” said George Guerra, Northrop Grumman vice president for High Altitude Long Endurance Systems. “The interface we’ve had with Scott and Dan has been critical to developing their knowledge base. The more they understand our programs, the more it benefits Northland, Northrop Grumman, and our customers.

Northrop Grumman produces the RQ-4 Global Hawk. It is designed for high altitude Unmanned aerial surveillance. It has a wingspan of at least 130.9 feet and can fly at altitudes as high as 65,000 feet with payloads of up to 3000 pounds. Northland has a model of the Block 10 Global Hawk in their hangar.

Dan Klug and Scott Fletcher recently toured Anderson Air Force Base in Guam to learn more about the Global Hawk. They were able to participate directly with Northrop’s staff that works on the Global Hawk. Northland continues to work and build relationships with premier partners in the rapidly growing industry.

On March 12, 2012, the University of North Dakota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, on behalf of Northland Community and Technical College, signed a memorandum of agreement whereby Northland will become affiliated with UND’s Center for Unmanned Aircraft System Research, Education and Training (UAS Center).

Northland is at the forefront of UAS development as evidenced by offering the first UAS Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic degree program in America. The collaboration between UND and NCTC in the emerging field of unmanned aircraft systems, through NCTC’s affiliation with the UAS Center, will bring great benefit to both institutions and to the region. Each institution brings complementary areas of excellence to the partnership. “The agreement strengthens us as a region and allows us to create a ‘one-stop shop’ for UAS activities,” said Scott Fletcher, chief operating officer for aviation and UAS at Northland. The collaboration hopes to improve the chances of increasing awareness and funding for the emerging industry.

Pictured above from L to R: Eric Garvin, Northrop Grumman Global Hawk Manager, Dan Klug, Chief Development Officer, Scott Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer of Aviation Programs, Anne Temte, NorthlandCommunity & Technical College President, George Guerra, Northrop Grumman vice president HALE Systems, Eric Icard, Senior Business Development Officer GFED