Lockheed Martin to continue PTDS support
The Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS) in use with the US Army in Afghanistan will continue to be operated and supported by Lockheed Martin under a $345 million contract announced on 21 October.
The PTDS is a tethered aerostat-based system that provides real-time situational awareness of insurgent and other illegal activity in the area.
The platform carries multiple sensors and surveillance equipment to deliver constant day and night, 360 degree detection, surveillance, monitoring and force protection not possible with other types of manned and unmanned aircraft. The PTDS can remain aloft for more than 25 consecutive days.
Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions, said: ‘PTDS has proven to be a critical asset for the protection of our forces and those of our allies. We will work in theatre with the army to ensure that PTDS continues to provide mission critical support directly to our warfighters.’
The US Army's Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, Product Manager, Meteorological and Target Identification Capabilities, based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., will provide programme and acquisition management.
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