Textron Systems Support Solutions has received a $206m contract to provide sustainment services for the US Army's Shadow tactical aircraft system (TUAS).
The contract covers a wide range of support services, such as engineering and contractor logistics support, field service operations, depot material repair, and assistance with post-production software.
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Textron Systems Support Solutions senior vice-president and general manager Ryan Hazlett said: “Support Solutions has been the chosen contractor logistics support (CLS) contractor for the US Army’s CLS contract since 2005, and we are proud to continue supporting their Shadow systems throughout this past decade.”
Designed to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as communications and laser designation, the Shadow v2 has recorded more than one million flight hours so far.
The digital system has been optimised for new multi-mission, single-sortie profiles and manned-unmanned teaming, Textron said in a statement.
The Shadow v2 features a high-bandwidth, encrypted data link that enables the aircraft to carry payloads ranging from high-definition video to secure control for prosecution missions.
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By GlobalDataThe army is currently integrating the Shadow v2 system with its Apache helicopter fleet for scouting missions within its combat aviation brigades, the statement said.
The contract also supports the US Army’s Shadow v2 block upgrade programme.
Currently, 117 Shadow systems are in service with the US Army, US Marine Corps, Army National Guard, US Special Operations Command and the Australian Defense Forces.
Image:Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle in preparation for routine checks and maintenance of the aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Staff Sgt. Armando Limon.
