Camp Ripley Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Facility

Camp Ripley’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Facility (UASOF) houses the program for the first army tactical unmanned aerial vehicle in Minnesota. The facility was designed to provide hands-on training and simulated experiences that are vital for operators to assist troops on the ground. In addition to the building, a 1,080-foot-long flexible pavement runway was constructed to allow the unmanned aircraft to takeoff, operate in the military “restricted” airspace of Camp Ripley, and efficiently land. Inside, the operations area contains mission/flight planning, tactical operations, and simulation training for their 15 platoon operators. The aircraft maintenance area houses the hangar, repair shops and parts/tool storage, break area, toilet/shower/locker/physical training rooms, mechanical, electrical, and storage room. As part of their 53,000-acre training center, this facility serves to reinforce the necessity of technology, using unmanned aircraft to save taxpayer dollars, and more importantly save the lives of service men and women.