Five-Year, $454 Million Contract Largest in WESCAM History
L3 WESCAM announced on 9 October that its next-generation MX-10D electro-optical, infra-red and laser designator (EO/IR/LD) sensor suite has been selected for the US Army’s RQ-7Bv2 SHADOW UAV system. The five-year contract, with an optional extension for a further five years, is valued at $454 million and is the largest contract – in terms of value and units – in WESCAM history.
The MX-10D provides an advanced capability to collect critical information for use by all members of an air-ground manoeuvre team. L3 will continue to invest in research and development as the US Army evaluates options for its next-generation Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (FTUAS) programme, the replacement for SHADOW targeted for a 2025 service entry date.
“L3’s WESCAM imaging and targeting turrets deliver the highest-precision situational awareness to our customers to help them overcome emerging regional and global threats,” commented L3 Technologies Chairman, CEO and President, Christopher E. Kubasik. “We are focused on developing new state-of-the-art multi-domain C6ISR technologies in support of the US Army’s Modernization Strategy.”
“The MX-10D is proven and successfully operational on the SHADOW,” added Corporate Senior Vice President and President, ISR Systems, Jeff Miller. “This win secures L3’s prime position on a major platform in the UAV space and expands our growth opportunities for EO/IR international users considering surveillance and targeting upgrades.”