GRAND FORKS, N.D. — North Dakota's unmanned aircraft test site has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to fly a drone used for precision agriculture.

The Hermes 450 is a 20-foot aircraft manufactured by Elbit Systems of America LLC. It will be used for research flights in cooperation with North Dakota State University.

The flights will originate from the airport in Hillsboro, between Fargo and Grand Forks in eastern North Dakota. North Dakota Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley says the research is meant to bolster ag research and improve economic opportunities for farmers.

The FAA in 2013 selected North Dakota as one of six drone test sites throughout the country.