Textron awarded UAS contract for Littoral Combat Ships
The Aerosonde UAS provides mission overwatch and extended intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services with enhanced mission payloads. (NAVAIR)
The US Navy (USN) is expanding the airborne surveillance capabilities of three of its Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) with the addition of new UAS capabilities.
Textron Systems announced on 9 August that it had received a $19.5 million contract from US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to provide its Aerosonde UAS on two Independence-class LCS and one Freedom-class LCS ship.
Wayne Prender, senior VP of Textron Systems Air Systems business told Shephard: 'The installation will begin in November 2023 with operations beginning in January 2024. Integration of the system is minimal by design, with roll-on, roll-off capability to be more easily transferred from one ship to another.'
Installation on the Littoral Combat Ships represents the smallest type of warship and third class of vessel
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win]()
Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win
A fighting force such as the Royal Navy must inevitably focus on its core capabilities, platforms and readiness. But to avoid unexpected outcomes and costly oversights, a complex organisation like this needs to be underpinned by sound enterprise-level risk management principles and systems.
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist]()
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
