By Andy Choi
AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Textron Systems’ operating division, recently declared that it has achieved the competitive Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MEUAS) II award.
The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) presented this three-year award valued $600 M. It features support operations based on AAI's Aerosonde Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS). These activities include total initial funding up to $20 M.
Senior Vice President and General Manager of AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Steven Reid says following the new achievement, the team is all set to operate with its new customer, the USSOCOM. AAI intends carrying out a full-service orientation such as identifying and determining the logistics, equipment, mission, and various other criteria underlying customer requirements, in order to offer a total solution regarding the MEUAS II program.
The Aerosonde SUAS is an effective, high-performance system wherein a heavy-fuel engine has been incorporated for an enhanced stability. The single electro-optic/infrared payload of Aerosonde aircraft provides surveillance, day-and-night persistent intelligence and reconnaissance. In addition, its increased payload size, mass and capacity can be placed in another payload for multi-mission flexibility. It is based on the company’s Expeditionary Ground Control Station and AAI's one-piece Launch and Recovery Trailer for land- and sea-based expeditionary operations.
AAI Logistics & Technical Services is a subsidiary Textron Systems operating unit, which intends offering maintenance support and international operations for the MEUAS II program. AAI’s expertise UAS operators and field service professionals have been employed globally to cater to the requirements of customers.
Source: http://www.textron.com/