The site of the Devil's Den Proving Ground will be transformed into a laboratory for developing electromagnetic technology.
WEST FORK, Ark. — A former nuclear test site in West Fork, long vacant, will soon be transformed into a laboratory for developing electromagnetic technology.
The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is partnering with technology startup Extremis to transition the Devil's Den Proving Grounds into an innovation campus that will serve as a major hub for the development of electromagnetic spectrum control systems.
“Our technology works with existing radio transmitters to tell them where they need to operate, so if there is congestion or some kind of interference, our system will Adjust it to keep it away from interference.”
On April 22, Xtremis held an event to unveil plans for the project with support from the U.S. Army Pathfinder program.
The technology startup also received support from Congressman Steve Womack, who said, “The private sector, the University of Arkansas, and the federal government are working together to address one of the world's most important national security challenges.” “The fact that we're trying to solve … should be of interest to a lot of people.” everyone. ”
“Over the next 12 months, we will be directly hiring 20 people in the area. These are high-tech, six-figure jobs,” Mr Harrison said. “In 24 months, he expects the number of employees to increase to 32, and then in his seven-year plan he expects to create 250 direct jobs and 1,250 indirect jobs. ”
Throughout the process, Womack said, technology companies will need private sector funding and partnerships with the federal government.
“As a defensive appropriator, it makes me very happy and proud to know that a lot of new starts and some of the big primes are starting to look to Northwest Arkansas as a place to do business,” Womack said. . “We are witnessing major advances occurring that will have a lasting impact on the security of our country and the world.”
Harrison said development plans and construction costs are still being finalized.
The earliest construction could begin would be at the end of this year, but Harrison said it would likely happen in the first quarter of 2025.
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