Barco receives follow-on order from AAI for rugged displays used in One System Ground Control Stations

Visualization pioneer Barco announced today that it has received a follow-on order from AAI Corporation for its rugged flat displays and supporting graphics crossbar cards, marking a successful ten-year relationship supporting the US military's One System program. In total, AAI has acquired more than 600 displays installed in 200+ shelters - the ground control stations (GCS) which house the One System - around the world.

The One System Ground Control Station (OSGCS) is the premier ground control station of the US Army and Marine Corps, used to operate multiple unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over battlefield and operations areas to capture and disseminate intelligence video. The OSGCS is the core of the Shadow TUAS (Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System). AAI has logged more than 500,000 flight hours in support of the Shadow TUAS, and is expanding the system into other UAS platforms, including the US Army's new Extended Range/Multi-Purpose (ER/MP) Sky Warrior system. Based on its success in the OSGCS deployment, Barco was selected as the supplier for the ER/MP system, providing TL-351 displays and graphics crossbar cards on an ongoing basis.

Barco has worked with customers and partners for more than 20 years to meet the needs of an ever-changing battlefield, leveraging this experience to design and manufacture displays, image processing and computing solutions for the most complex requirements. In the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) arena, to achieve information superiority, GCSs increasingly rely on high-resolution, near real-time imagery captured by a variety of unmanned sources. Barco has led the UAS market with rugged display solutions over the past decade, seamlessly transitioning customers from CRT technology through two generations of flat panel LCD displays that offer fully qualified ruggedization, extreme compactness and superior image quality for sensor payload operators - an ideal combination for real-time UAS operations.

Barco's RFD-251 rugged flat displays are specifically engineered for use in mission-critical applications. The displays feature a 20.1 inch MIL-tailored rugged flat display, meeting the most demanding shock, temperature, and vibration standards. Barco's unique front bonding process eliminates condensation, and ensures superior optical performance under all conditions.

"For a decade, Barco displays and video support products have been a trusted component of our UAS ground control technologies," says AAI's Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Steven Reid. "With this follow-on order, we look forward to continuing our productive relationship with Barco, a company that shares our dedication to delivering the most innovative and high-quality solutions."

In addition, Barco's innovative TL series provided for the ER/MP program, features first-class AMLCD (Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display) technology, offering excellent performance in terms of brightness, contrast and viewing angle. The 20" thin and lightweight display combines unmatched thinness with exceptionally low weight to provide a unique, rugged display solution, especially for applications where space and weight are critical.

"AAI wanted a true business partner that could provide a seamless migration path to ensure consistent form, fit and function, and they achieved that with Barco. We've enjoyed a highly collaborative, productive relationship for a decade now, and look forward to supporting our nation's military with AAI for many years to come," commented Ron Farine, VP of Sales, Barco Federal Systems.

Source: Barco

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