WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Key systems for the U.S. Air Force's Blue Devil Block II unmanned aerial system are being supplied by Rockwell Collins.
The Blue Devil is a 335-foot-long airship designed to provide persistent surveillance for the military.
Under an award from prime contractor MAV6 LLC, Rockwell will provide the flight control system, vehicle control system and radios for the airship. It will also provide networking solutions for real-time, ad hoc communications capability for the program.
In addition, Rockwell will supply ground control station leveraging capabilities from the company's Simulation and Training Solutions business.
The U.S. Air Force awarded the $86.2 million Blue Devil Block II development contract to MAV6, a defense technology company with headquarters in Vicksburg, Miss.
"The Blue Devil Block II provides a surveillance network that will coordinate with other airships and UAVs for full continuous coverage over a large area," said Dave Vos, senior director of UAS and Control Technologies for Rockwell Collins.
"We are combining solutions from our broad portfolio of communication and navigation and control systems offerings for this program."
