U.S. Army contracts Leidos for Saturn Arch sustainment

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has awarded Leidos a $71 million contract modification to continue sustainment and integration operations for the Saturn Arch.

The Saturn Arch is a long-term improvised explosive device neutralization program. The aerial platform has been used to support coalition ground forces serving in Afghanistan.

The program began in 2010 when Army officials integrated special aircraft with sensor technology to identify IEDs on the battlefield, and aid forces on the ground with removing them. Since that time, more tools have been developed to assess the safety of the battlespace before ground forces move through it.

Under the contract with the U.S. Army, Leidos received $11 million at the time of the award. Officials expect the work to be complete on Sept. 16, 2019.