Textron Systems Unmanned Systems Delivers 4,500 Monthly Mission Hours, Additional FFS Operational Site Under New Navy ISR Services Task Order
Aerosonde® SUAS Performs Multi-Mission Role for U.S. DoD Customers
HUNT VALLEY, Md. — May 19, 2014 — Textron Systems Unmanned Systems, a business of the Textron Systems segment of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), announced today a new task order under the U.S. Navy Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Services program that is expected to reach full operational capability by the end of May. Award of this new task order is in addition to extension of existing task orders, bringing the total monthly mission hours provided under the contract to 4,500 across all international sites.
Under the ISR Services indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity program, Textron Systems Unmanned Systems provides end-to-end, turnkey mission support with its Aerosonde Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) — delivered by the company’s own operators and supported by its field service specialists.
“This fee-for-service [FFS] structure brings tremendous customer value — ramp-up time is minimized, and concerns such as training, logistics and sustainment are handled by our team,” says David Phillips, vice president, Small/Medium Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Textron Systems Unmanned Systems. “Our customers — in this case, the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army — simply concentrate on the mission with a reliable, high-performance asset continuously at the ready.”
The company is maintaining operational readiness rates over 98 percent for its Navy ISR Services customers, delivering multi-mission flexibility with the Aerosonde SUAS, which is equipped for simultaneous electro-optical, infrared and communications relay within a single aircraft. The system is designed for expeditionary operations under the most austere conditions. The recent addition of the new EL-005 engine designed and manufactured by manned aviation engine expert Lycoming Engines has improved both reliability and performance.
“With benchmark-setting reliability and proven multi-mission capability, our Aerosonde SUAS provides customers with outstanding value and performance,” says Phillips. “Equally important, it maintains a small, expeditionary footprint ideal for persistent ISR, border patrol, critical infrastructure protection, and so many other military and commercial mission sets.”
Media Contact:
Betania Magalhaes
Textron Systems
(978) 657-2020
PublicRelations@textronsystems.com
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, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.
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Textron Systems Unmanned Systems is a business of the Textron Systems segment of Textron Inc. © 2014 AAI Corporation. All rights reserved.
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