USN to test MS-177A long-range imaging sensor
Collins Aerospace has been awarded a $19.9 million contract by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), to build and provide a MS-177A long-range multi-spectral imaging sensor for experimental use aboard a USN-operated P-3C Orion (pictured) test aircraft.
‘The experiment will mark the first time Collins Aerospace’s MS-177A has been flown by the Navy,’ the Raytheon Technologies company noted in a 14 September statement.
Under the 30-month ONR contract, Collins Aerospace will provide an MS-177A sensor and supporting flight test hardware and install it on the P-3C aircraft.
The experiment will aim to demonstrate the ability of the MS-177A to deliver high spatial image resolution at longer ranges, expanding USN maritime ISR capabilities in terms of ASW, ASuW and mine warfare missions using a mature USAF sensor system.
The baseline MS-177 sensor has already completed flight testing and will soon enter operational service with the USAF RQ-4B Global Hawk HALE UAS, Collins Aerospace added.
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