Textron Systems Begins Flight Tests on Shadow TUAS Block III Capabilities

Textron Systems announced today the beginning of flight tests on new capabilities for the Shadow® Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS). The Shadow TUAS supports a high OPTEMPO every month with exemplary operational availability. We continue to partner with the U.S. Army to modernize the Shadow system based on the emerging needs of the warfighter. Currently, we’re working in conjunction with the U.S. Army to qualify the latest advancement to the Shadow platform. This upgrade, known as the Block III, will provide multiple enhancements, including:

• A new, water-cooled engine, which will reduce noise signature, increase reliability, and add 10 additional horsepower over its predecessor
• Upgraded Video Payload
• Weatherization advancements, expanding operational capability in adverse weather, permitting better support to its manned counterparts
• Enhanced communications relay through a Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS), extending frequency bands in addition to SINGCARS as well as Voice over IP (VOIP)