Installation-Ready System Successfully Integrated RSTA Information into Existing Cockpit Interfaces During U.S. Army Datalink for Manned/Unmanned Systems Demonstration
HUNT VALLEY, Md. & SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 22, 2009-- AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and L-3 Communication Systems-West today announced the achievement of a vital situational awareness architecture to support the U.S. Army’s Datalink for Manned/Unmanned Systems (DMS) — bringing together reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) information across multiple airborne assets.
AAI and L-3 Communication Systems-West’s integrated aerial situational awareness system combines AAI’s combat-proven One System® Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) command-and-control architecture with certified communications components from L-3. The installation-ready system can be provided as a partially integrated mobile mission package or a fully integrated cockpit solution.
The U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, or AATD, recently demonstrated the DMS at Fort Eustis, Va., for which AAI and L-3 delivered a fully integrated aerial situational awareness platform based on this system for the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter.
Operating on a dedicated onboard computer and transceiver subsystem integrated into the existing cockpit displays and interfaces, the AAI and L-3 system received unmanned aircraft video across multiple radio frequency bands, transmitted video and telemetry data to ground-based OSRVT terminals, and shared aircraft sensor video between the Kiowa and a similarly equipped Boeing Apache® helicopter. The demonstration came about through the work of a team comprising AAI, L-3 and customers AATD and Program Manager (PM) Kiowa Helicopter (OH-58).
“Our customers successfully demonstrated the force protection possible when we seamlessly move situational awareness information between the manned and unmanned assets in the battle space,” says Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid of AAI. “This valuable exercise further highlights the benefit of unmanned systems as a vital provider of RSTA capabilities.”
“The trend towards smaller, lighter and networked information acquisition and communication systems brings new capability to the warfighter,” says Vice President of Advanced Development Lori Eckles of L-3 Communication Systems-West. “These include enhanced air-ground coordination, shared situational awareness and reduced sensor-to-shooter times. L-3 Communication Systems-West is proud to be teamed with AAI, AATD and PM Kiowa Helicopter on this ground-breaking demonstration.”
About L-3 Communication Systems-West
L-3 Communication Systems-West, located in Salt Lake City, UT, is the preeminent supplier of wideband data links and mobile surface and airborne satellite terminals for military applications in the world. They have over 40 years of experience in providing robust, mobile microwave terminals, satellite terminals and wideband data links for airborne platforms, including manned and unmanned platforms, operating in a variety of environments. More information is available at www.l-3com.com/csw.
About L-3
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 66,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2008 sales of $14.9 billion. More information is available at www.l-3com.com.
About AAI
AAI Corporation designs, produces, and supports aerospace and defense systems through its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, AAI Services Corporation, Aerosonde Pty Ltd, ESL Defence Limited, and Symtx, Inc. Its high-technology products and services include unmanned aircraft systems, training and simulation systems, automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment, armament systems, aviation ground support equipment, and logistical, engineering, and supply chain services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
AAI is a registered trademark of AAI Corporation.
One System is a registered trademark of the U.S. Army.
Apache is a registered trademark of Boeing Management Company Corporation.