Bell Helicopter and AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Combine Resources for Manned Unmanned Operations Capability Development Laboratory
FORT WORTH, TX & HUNT VALLEY, MD (April 2, 2012) – Bell Helicopter and Textron Systems operating unit AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, both Textron Inc. companies (NYSE: TXT), have teamed to develop a Manned Unmanned Operations (MUMO) Capability Development Laboratory in Huntsville, AL, to enable a software and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) development test capability using operationally relevant systems specific to manned unmanned teaming. This MUMO Capability Development Laboratory will serve as a research and development tool to support the U.S. Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) vision and roadmap objectives for manned unmanned UAS operations in the near-, mid- and far-term timeframes.
“This capability will allow Bell Helicopter and AAI to maintain and expand our concurrence with Army developmental laboratories and fielded aviation assets,” said Mike Miller, director of Military Business Development, Bell Helicopter.
The new Bell Helicopter MUMO Capability Development Laboratory will be adjacent to and operationally connected to the Shadow® Tactical UAS HWIL system integration lab (SIL). This laboratory is being expanded to house a Kiowa Warrior OH-58D baseline simulation facility that will conjoin the Shadow HWIL SIL.
The combined MUMO laboratory will enable accelerated technology insertion to ensure aviation forces are equipped and trained with the most current capabilities and advantages. The Bell Helicopter and AAI MUMO laboratory will enable a high-fidelity and interoperable MUMO simulation environment to support individual operator requirements for UAS and rotorcraft mission crew requirements. Exploratory concepts and technology demonstrations will be coordinated to develop and incorporate emerging technologies for the UAS and rotorcraft aviation fleet.
The Bell Helicopter and AAI MUMO laboratory leverages incumbent architectures for UAS information dissemination, enabling multiple levels of UAS interoperability, evaluation of emerging technologies in an operational scenario based environment, and rapid fielding for greater capabilities. Simulation will enable the development of cognitive skills related to tactics, techniques and procedures for MUMO.
Construction is underway, and the facility opening is planned later this year.
Bell Helicopter Press Contact
Greg Hubbard
817 280-4616 (office)
817 876-5199 (mobile)
ghubbard@bellhelicopter.textron.com
Textron Systems Press Contact
Sharon Corona
410 628-3184
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company is known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment and operational services. Textron Systems includes AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced Systems, Aerosonde, ESL Defence, Lycoming Engines, Medical Numerics, MillenWorks, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
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