AAI Corp., doing business as Textron Systems, Hunt Valley, Maryland, was awarded a $25,610,000 firm-fixed-price contract for three Aerosonde Mk4.7 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS), initial spare parts, logistics support, new equipment training and two field service representatives. Work will be performed in Nigeria, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2019 overseas contingency operations, defense funds in the amount of $25,610,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
The Aerosonde® Mark 4.7 small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) was jointly developed by AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, and Aerosonde. The UAS is suitable for use in long-endurance missions. The unmanned air system can be launched from land- and ship-based platforms to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and covert maritime missions as well as communication relay. The Aerosonde Mark 4.7 small unmanned aircraft system features rugged, light weight design. The tactical drone with low acoustic signature and long endurance capabilities is ideal for executing expeditionary ISR missions in confined areas, and maritime operations.
The UAS has a wing span of 3.6m and can carry a maximum payload of about 10lb. AAI’s unique launch and recovery trailer (LRT) facilitates easy automatic launch and recovery of the air vehicle in restricted field operations. The LRT consists of a Sliding Frame Launcher and hydraulically actuated Soft Handsâ„¢ Net Recovery System. The unmanned aircraft system is attached with a modular payload system to deliver effective ISR capabilities. A combined electro-optical (EO) / infrared (IR) payload is fitted to capture real-time imagery and videos during day and night under all weather conditions. The UAS can also carry payloads such as signals intelligence, communications relay and electronic warfare equipment.
