Textron Systems Secures UAS Support Contract with U.S. Navy

Textron Systems has announced its recent contract acquisition from the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to deliver operational support for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) aboard the USS Miguel Keith, also known as ESB-5. This agreement follows a four-year extension for the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4) and adds to the support already provided to two DDG-class vessels, increasing the total number of U.S. Navy ships utilizing the Aerosonde UAS system to four.

Enhanced ISR Capabilities for maritime Operations

As part of this contract, Textron Systems will deploy its Aerosonde UAS to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with advanced mission payloads on the ESB-5. The company’s Field Service Representatives (FSR) will collaborate closely with the ship’s crew to facilitate a range of maritime operations.

proven Track Record of the Aerosonde System

The Aerosonde system has successfully logged over 585,000 flight hours, supporting various U.S. and allied international missions. It is specifically engineered for both land and sea operations in challenging environments and can be outfitted with multiple payload configurations to meet diverse mission needs.

Strategic Insights from Textron Leadership

Wayne Prender, Senior Vice President of Air Systems at Textron, stated, “The Navy has numerous vessels that can gain from reliable multi-INT ISR capabilities. This fee-for-service contract allows the Navy to advance its future shipboard ISR requirements while concurrently supporting ongoing real-world missions. We are already witnessing the advantages for both DDG and ESB-class ships, and we are committed to refining our services to provide the specialized operational and logistical support our clients require to fulfill their missions and ensure the safety of our sailors.”

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