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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Elbit wins first order for export version of Crossbow unmanned turret]()
Elbit wins first order for export version of Crossbow unmanned turret
At DSEI 2023 Elbit Systems unveiled a lightweight export model of its Crossbow 120mm mortar system being developed for the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![How AI tools can reduce fuel usage for maritime platforms]()
How AI tools can reduce fuel usage for maritime platforms
The broader use of algorithms to collect and analyse vessel data can better support navy chiefs and staff.
-
![South Korea approves more frigates plus SM-3 missiles]()
South Korea approves more frigates plus SM-3 missiles
South Korea’s six FFX Batch IV frigates are expected to be delivered by 2032 and will full retirement of remaining Pohang-class corvettes and Ulsan-class frigates, and possibly Gwanggaeto-class destroyers.
-
![China’s third aircraft carrier commences sea trials]()
China’s third aircraft carrier commences sea trials
Fujian, China’s latest aircraft carrier, has embarked on its inaugural sea trials following delays to its construction but featuring technological advancements that have marked a leap in the maritime capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
