JOHNSON CITY, N.Y., March 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. military's V-22 Osprey aircraft are to be equipped with an all-quadrant defensive weapons system from BAE Systems.
BAE said the system to be supplied to the Naval Air Systems Command is based on its Remote Guardian System, a remotely operated weapon system that provides 360 degrees of suppressive weapons fire.
The Remote Guardian System is a common airborne defensive capability. RGS, designed to be belly-mounted on the V-22, is the first remote weapon system capable of delivering accurate, sustained fire throughout the aircraft's flight envelope.
"This system will provide vital protection to the V-22, its operators and the Marines it will carry," said Jim Garceau, vice president of defense avionics for BAE Systems. "The weapon system's accuracy and ability to lock onto a stationary target in flight are critical to the defense of the aircraft."
Under the $14 million contract, BAE Systems will produce and support RGS defensive weapon systems to be delivered by the end of 2012. The contract includes a $12 million exercisable option for additional systems and support.
