By Andy Choi
AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, a Textron operating division recently declared that it is one among the three companies to achieve the multiple-award contract from the U.S. Navy's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Services.
It includes both sea- and land- based unmanned aircraft systems operations to be deployed by the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. The Navy ISR Services award has a maximum value of $874M over five years.
The major Aerosonde Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS), with multi-mission potential integrates a heavy-fuel engine. This incorporation will provide a mission endurance of up to 16 h and reliable performance. The company's winning bid relies on the performance of SUAS, which is capable of generating consistent electro-optic or infrared ISR. In addition, its extensive payload size and robustness paves the way for harboring another suitable payload to achieve excellent mission flexibility. AAI-designed, one-piece Launch and Recovery Trailer used by the Aerosonde system performs efficient takeoff and landing. In addition, the Expeditionary Ground Control Station allows portable command and control operations. This multi-mission capable system is ideal for expeditionary land- and sea-based operations.
An expertise team for Navy ISR Services has been directed by AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems. AAI Logistics & Technical Services is a subsidiary of Textron Systems operating unit, which along with its team members will carry out global UAS operations, sustainment, maintenance, product support and spares to benefit the Navy ISR Services program.
Source: http://www.textronsystems.com/