Textron Systems has recently secured a task order from the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to provide maritime intelligence, surveillance, adn reconnaissance (ISR) services. This contract will see Textron Systems utilize its Aerosonde Small Unmanned aerial system (UAS) through contractor-operated services. The Aerosonde will be deployed from an Expeditionary Sea Base class vessel.
This task order falls under the Close Range UAS ISR Services Indefinite-Quantity, Indefinite-Delivery (IDIQ) contract that was previously granted to Textron.
For operations at sea, the Aerosonde platform features a single turntable for both launch and recovery, allowing for a roll-on, roll-off capability that requires minimal space and no structural modifications to the ship. Additionally, Textron Systems provides optional vertical-take-off-and-landing features with the Aerosonde HQ model.
David Phillips, Vice president of Tactical Mission Systems at Textron Systems, stated, “Since 2012, we have collaborated with the U.S. Navy, accumulating hundreds of thousands of flight hours. We are proud to enhance our support for their global missions.”
