Textron Systems Selected to Compete for USSOCOM MEUAS III Task Orders
HUNT VALLEY, Md. — JUNE 14, 2017 – Textron Systems Unmanned Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) business, announced today that it has been named as one of two companies selected to compete for Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MEUAS) III task orders from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Textron Systems is eligible to compete for opportunities to provide contractor-owned, contractor-operated operations using the Aerosonde™ Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS).
MEUAS III is a follow-on contract for unmanned aircraft systems intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services supporting Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel and operations at multiple international sites. This includes all planning, coordination, certification, installation, pre-deployment, deployment, logistics, maintenance, flying operations and post-deployment efforts. The contract is 54-months long with a maximum ceiling of $475 million.
“After proudly working with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) under the MEUAS II contract, we look forward to continuing this relationship and fulfilling all of their operational expectations,” says Textron Systems Unmanned Systems Vice President of Small and Medium Endurance UAS David Phillips. “With the Aerosonde system’s maturity and experience spanning nearly 200,000 flight hours around the world, as well as the system’s multi-mission and expeditionary capacity, we are providing unmatched capabilities to USSOCOM. It is our priority to support and understand our customers’ needs – and this is a great example of how our solutions can help to address them.”
RThe Aerosonde SUAS is equipped to carry numerous payloads in a single flight; for example, advanced electro-optic/infrared payloads for day-and-night persistent oversight, precision survey imaging, as well as communications relay to extend the reach of communications in non-linear terrain. Further, incorporating Lycoming’s EL-005 engine, the Aerosonde is the only system in its class with a propulsion system completely supported by a manufacturer with unmatched manned aviation expertise, including a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Production Certificate. With that comes Lycoming Engines’ established processes for engine development, production, services and support.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems’ businesses develop and integrate products, services and support for aerospace and defense customers, as well as civil and commercial customers including those in law enforcement, security, border patrol and critical infrastructure protection around the globe. Harnessing agility and a broad base of expertise, Textron Systems’ innovative businesses design, manufacture, field and support comprehensive solutions that expand customer capabilities and deliver value. Textron Systems consists of its Advanced Information Solutions, Electronic Systems, Geospatial Solutions, Lycoming Engines, Marine & Land Systems, Support Solutions, TRU Simulation + Training, Unmanned Systems and Weapon & Sensor Systems businesses. Textron Systems Unmanned Systems is a registered trade name of AAI Corporation. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Bad Boy Off Road, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com
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