U.S. Army awards Leidos ISR production contract

RESTON, Va., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has awarded a $661.8 million contract to Leidos to design, produce, integrate, and test for the Airborne Reconnaissance Low-Enhanced program.

Under the five-year contract, Leidos will modify Bombardier DHC-8 aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The company will collaborate with partners Sierra Nevada Corporation, Argon ST, L-3 ComCept, and Dynamic Aviation to reduce costs for production.

We are incredibly excited to continue our legacy of supporting the U.S. Army on vital airborne programs," Leidos CEO Roger Krone said of the new contract.

Leidos says their team has flown every type of government-identified sensor in the Airborne Reconnaissance Low-Enhanced (ARL-E) solicitation process. The ARL-E is a nearly all-weather airborne platform enhancing capabilities for detecting, locating and identifying surface targets. System of Systems (SoS) integration of an extensible Mission Equipment Payload (MEP), including the modification of the Bombardier DHC-8 aircraft, will be the company's first task under the contract.

The Bombardier DHC-8, or Dash 8, is a fixed-wing multi-role patrol aircraft normally used for maritime surveillance operations. The aircraft is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 242 knots, with a range of 1,600 nautical miles. The jet's SeaVue marine search radar and infrared sensors help with detecting, disrupting, and interdicting maritime smuggling and other criminal activities. It has also been refitted for commercial and civilian purposes.

"The selection of our team on this contract solidifies our standing as leaders in ISR capabilities," Leidos Group President John Fratamico added. "We remain dedicated to supporting our customer and providing mission effective technology at a competitive price."