US Army orders specialised surveillance equipment from Drone Aviation

Drone Aviation has been selected to deliver specialised surveillance equipment for the US Army's Rapid Equipping Force (REF).

The company will deliver an unspecified number of units of advanced optics systems to an undisclosed government-contracted systems integrator, to help the latter support REF's surveillance objectives.

Drone Holding Aviation chief executive officer Felicia Hess said: "Our systems leverage aerostat technology to elevate military payloads and provide network communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

"Going forward, we remain focused on expanding our client relationships with both our military and civilian customers, as we continue to build confidence in our capabilities through additional deliveries of both specialised components and our complete systems."

The company did not disclose the equipment type and its delivery schedule.

Under an undisclosed contract awarded in September 2013, Drone Aviation had delivered aerial based systems, including lighter-than-air based systems, as well as related components to REF, to help support its various objectives.

Awarded by Universal Solutions International, the contract required the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Lighter Than Air Systems (LTAS), to supply five custom-designed and engineered aerostat systems, along with winches, tank racks and related support equipment, into active overseas operations.

Under a previous contract, LTAS also delivered seven custom-engineered, critical aerostat launcher main winches and spare components to REF for the small tactical multi-payload aerostat system (STMPAS).

The company's systems are controlled through a mobile, self-contained launcher, which is operated by soldiers possessing common soldier skills.