AUSTIN, Texas & ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2009-- Overwatch, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that its Communications Systems business has been selected by Astrium Limited of the United Kingdom to provide satellite communications (SATCOM) solutions in support of Yahsat.
Yahsat has partnered with EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space to build a multi-purpose satellite communications system. The Yahsat system includes two multipurpose satellites designed to provide both government and commercial SATCOM capabilities. Overwatch will provide three one-meter, Ka-band shipboard antennas and accompanying radomes that are expected to be utilized aboard United Arab Emirates naval ships. The award includes options for up to 30 additional units.
“This award builds on the successful relationship established between Astrium and Overwatch on the ASTIS program in support of the Royal Australian Navy,” says Communications Systems Business Area Manager Terry Benson. “With this new endeavor, Overwatch is bringing its proven experience and mature military SATCOM technologies to new users.”
Overwatch delivers single-band and simultaneous multiband SATCOM system solutions for flyaway, transportable, fixed-site and shipboard applications. Overwatch also is a full-service SATCOM solution integrator.
About Yahsat
Yahsat is a United Arab Emirates-based satellite communications company providing multi-purpose satellite communications services to commercial and governmental clients in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia. With a wide portfolio of voice, data, video and internet connectivity solutions, Yahsat satellites are designed based on market requirements and future applications.
Yahsat is owned by Mubadala Development Company, an investment firm that is helping to diversify Abu Dhabi’s economy through capital intensive investments and by building businesses. Mubadala establishes new companies and acquires strategic holdings in existing companies, either in the UAE or abroad. In partnership with world class investors, the company actively manages investments in strategic sectors including energy, real estate, healthcare, aerospace and services. These investments diversify and further develop the growing economy of Abu Dhabi, while achieving superior returns on its investments. www.yahsat.ae
About Overwatch
Overwatch, an operating unit of Textron Systems, is the leading provider of integrated intelligence software solutions and services as well as robust satellite communications systems for today’s U.S. and international defense and intelligence communities. For the past 20 years, Overwatch’s intelligence solutions have supported decision makers, counter-terrorism analysts, warfighters and first responders by providing proven tools that simplify the integration, analysis and exploitation of intelligence in order to present a complete operational picture and accelerate the time-to-decision. More information is available at www.overwatch.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.
Overwatch is a registered trademark of Overwatch Systems of Virginia, Inc.
Source: Textron Inc.
Investor Contacts:
Textron
Doug Wilburne, 401-457-2288
or
Bill Pitts, 401-457-2288
or
Media Contacts:
Textron Systems Corporation
Sharon Corona, 410-628-3184
or
Yahsat
Salma Al Mansouri, +9712 406 1152
or
Textron
Michael Maynard, 401-457-2474