HUNT VALLEY, Md., May 12 (UPI) -- U.S. company AAI Corp. announced its unmanned aircraft systems have reached a milestone achievement after operating for more than 400,000 flight hours.
AAI said its Shadow tactical UAS marked the flight-hour milestone through its support for the U.S. military's operations in the Iraqi combat theater and other tactical missions.
The development of the Shadow tactical UAS technology continues to evolve in response to comments from the field. Company officials said they are planning to increase the length of the Shadow's wingspan and integrate new communications systems, among other upgrades.
"Shadow (systems) continue to evolve along with the needs of our war fighters," Steven Reid, AAI UAS vice president, said in a statement.
"During more than 400,000 hours of operation, we have partnered with end users to help optimize their tactics and procedures by adding new and important system capabilities."
