Textron Systems Begins -50 OSRVT™ Upgrades for U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command, Enabling Next-Gen Bi-Directional Capability
WASHINGTON, AUSA 2014 Annual Meeting & Exposition — October 12, 2014 — Textron Systems Unmanned Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) business, announced today that it has commenced deliveries of the One System® Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT™) -50 variant to the U.S. Army. The -50 configuration is the first fleet-wide update to the OSRVT program of record that enables Level of Interoperability (LOI) 3, a bi-directional capability which allows users in the field to control the unmanned aircraft’s payload for greater situational awareness and better-informed decision-making in kinetic operations.
Under an ongoing support contract, Textron Systems anticipates upgrading more than 3,100 OSRVT systems to the -50 configuration for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command, beginning now and ongoing through 2016. This configuration will undergo initial operational testing in 2015, and give Army units enhanced interoperability with Gray Eagle®, Hunter and Shadow® unmanned systems. The Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System, a Textron Systems platform, is utilized by the Marine Corps and Special Forces groups as well.
The OSRVT -50 incorporates many enhancements for greater flexibility, functionality and ease of use. Software upgrades to a service-oriented architecture (SOA) enable more rapid insertion of new features and technologies as requirements evolve. The user interface is updated for easier configuration, intuitive controls and touch screen operations, as the system will also now be fielded in a ruggedized tablet format.
“The OSRVT -50 configuration will allow our U.S. Army and Marine Corps customers to align situational awareness from their unmanned systems even more seamlessly into their decision-making,” said Vice President, Ground Control Technologies Wayne Prender. “With thousands of fielded units logging countless service hours around the world, we are enhancing a trusted platform to put even more capability into the warfighter’s hands — whenever and wherever it’s needed, in real time.”
The OSRVT is part of Textron Systems’ larger family of remote products, based on a modular, SOA-based software architecture that is ported easily to the hardware and form factor the customer requires for military, civil and commercial applications around the world. In addition, the extensible architecture allows the system to be highly customized while still being delivered and fielded rapidly. Solutions can be specified in various form factors, and can deliver LOI 3 or higher, providing even greater levels of situational awareness, payload, and platform control based on evolving operational requirements.
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. 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, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.
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