Aerosonde UAV makes first operational flight from USS Miguel Keith
An Aerosonde UAS is launched from USS Miguel Keith. (Photo: Textron)
The Textron UAS is also deployed on three other USN ships.
On 1 February, Textron announced that its Aerosonde UAS on board the Expeditionary Support Base (ESB) USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) had made its first operational flight.
The sortie follows an October 2022 contract award to provide uncrewed aviation support aboard the ship for up to five years.
Textron is tasked with deploying Aerosonde to provide ISR services to the ship.
Textron air systems senior VP Wayne Prender said: ‘Having an unmanned aircraft system operational aboard the ship acting as a remote sensor contributes to overall maritime domain awareness and mission success,
‘The Aerosonde system is providing added reach beyond the horizon and an ability to operate multi-INT ISR consistently, both great examples of the benefits of teaming unmanned aircraft with manned ships.’
The Aerosonde UAS is also being used to support operations aboard USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams (ESB 4) and two USN destroyers.
The UAS itself has racked up over 600,000 flight hours in US and allied service.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force needs to “rebuild to win”, says deputy chief of staff of operations]()
US Air Force needs to “rebuild to win”, says deputy chief of staff of operations
Aging aircraft, fewer platforms and a lack of replacements for retired systems has impacted the US Air Force’s lethality and training capabilities, according to the force’s deputy chief of staff for operations.
-
![France to buy more Rafale jets and invest €1.5 billion in upgrading air base]()
France to buy more Rafale jets and invest €1.5 billion in upgrading air base
The Luxeuil Saint-Sauveur air base will be modernised to ensure it can host nuclear weapons as France continues efforts to boost its nuclear deterrence.
-
![Sweden procures third batch of Meteor missiles for Gripen aircraft]()
Sweden procures third batch of Meteor missiles for Gripen aircraft
This third order from the FMV for the long-range anti-aircraft missile system is part of the Swedish Armed Forces’ effort to increase its air defence capabilities.
-
![Canada risks “bloodying its nose” should it forgo F-35 buy, says Canadian ex-defence chief]()
Canada risks “bloodying its nose” should it forgo F-35 buy, says Canadian ex-defence chief
Canada has stated its intention to reassess its acquisition of the F-35, amid the ongoing US-trade war, with Defence Minister Bill Blair saying it is “examining alternatives” with other aircraft manufacturers.
