Navy taps Textron Systems Unmanned Systems for task order work

HUNT VALLEY, Md., May 20 (UPI) -- Textron Systems Unmanned Systems reports receipt of a new Navy task order to provide mission support services with its Aerosonde Small Unmanned Aircraft System.

The task order was issued under the Navy Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance contract, and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity program under which Textron will supply the SUAS, together with system operators and field service representatives on a fee-for-service basis.

"This fee-for-service 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 already performing task orders for the services working with the Navy with its SUAS and says it maintains operational readiness rates over 98 percent for its Navy ISR Services customers.

The Aerosonde SUAS, equipped with a minimum load, has an endurance of more than26 hours, or more than 10 hours with a full electro-optic/infrared payload. It is launched by a catapult and land on its belly or through the use of a net-capture system.

"With benchmark-setting reliability and proven multi-mission capability, our Aerosonde SUAS provides customers with outstanding value and performance," said Phillips. "Equally important, it maintains a small, expeditionary footprint ideal for persistent ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), border patrol, critical infrastructure protection, and so many other military and commercial mission sets."