Textron Systems Completes Inaugural Aerosonde™ HQ SUAS Customer Demonstration
Vertical Takeoff and Landing Capability Provides Flexibility, Expanded Mission Set
BLACKSTONE, Va. – OCTOBER 19, 2016 — Textron Systems Unmanned Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) business, announced today the completion of its inaugural customer demonstration of the Aerosonde™ HQ. The Aerosonde HQ combines the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities of a multi-rotor platform with the efficiency and speed of the Aerosonde Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) fixed-wing aircraft. The event comes just five months after the company first announced the system's proof of concept demonstration.
The demonstration was witnessed by numerous military, civil and commercial customers from around the world. The demonstration showcased the system’s runway-independent vertical takeoff and transition to horizontal flight, followed by a landing without the need for any prepositioned personnel or recovery equipment. The demonstration, which took place at the new Textron Systems Unmanned Systems Service & Support Center, also highlighted Textron Systems’ service-proven, global support and sustainment capabilities.
“Since announcing our development program earlier this year, we have received great interest from numerous potential customers – including some who are already working with us on our fee-for-service programs for the Aerosonde SUAS,” said Textron Systems Unmanned Systems Senior Vice President and General Manager Bill Irby. “Since then, Textron Systems worked diligently to create an optimized prototype for the demonstration. It was rewarding to share these developments with our potential customers and hear their feedback. We believe this technology holds tremendous potential for our defense, as well as our civil and commercial customers.”
With the addition of VTOL capabilities, the system retains service proven capability within a smaller, more portable footprint. The Aerosonde HQ features an eight-hour endurance and 10,000-foot service ceiling. The system incorporates the purpose-built Lycoming EL-005 heavy fuel engine for benchmark-setting reliability and performance.
Textron Systems’ highly reliable Aerosonde SUAS has amassed more than 150,000 flight hours in commercial and military operations around the world. The Aerosonde system is a multi-mission capable UAS that offers the ability to simultaneously support electro optical/infrared full motion video, communications relay, automatic identification systems, and intelligence payloads within a single flight. The system also supports a variety of sensors and payloads optimized for civil and commercial missions including survey and inspection.
Media Contact:
Public Relations Team
Textron Systems
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About Textron Systems
Textron Systems’ businesses develop and integrate products, services and support for aerospace and defense customers, as well as civil and commercial customers including those in law enforcement, security, border patrol and critical infrastructure protection around the globe. Harnessing agility and a broad base of expertise, Textron Systems’ innovative businesses design, manufacture, field and support comprehensive solutions that expand customer capabilities and deliver value. Textron Systems consists of its Advanced Information Solutions, Electronic Systems, Geospatial Solutions, Lycoming Engines, Marine & Land Systems, Support Solutions, TRU Simulation + Training, Unmanned Systems and Weapon & Sensor Systems businesses. 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, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Bad Boy Off Road, Greenlee, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information visit: www.textron.com.
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