SHADOW, AEROSONDE, CUSV detailed
At Xponential 2017 by AUVSI this week in Dallas, TX, Williams G. Irby, Sr. Vice President & General Manager, Unmanned Systems, Textron Systems, informed MONS about Textron Systems lastest and hottest in Unmanned Systems.
Having improved the data-link infrastructure and avionics on the SHADOW V2 unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the vehicle is now supporting soldiers in the US and Italy, while the original SHADOW is in use with Sweden and Australia. The new SHADOW M2 continues to get very close to production, as customers are interested in moving very quickly.
The compnay has recently received an award from the US Army for U$6.08 million for 12 High Power Launchers, giving the customer a composite design and better hydraulics. These launchers could also launch the M2, but there has not been a requirement by the service.
While the AEROSONDE HQ is ready for production, Texron Systems is delivering proposals this year. This summer will see testing of the VTOL vehicle on a maritime craft, as the company has successfully completed initial simulated testing on a moving vehicle. The same capability would be possible on SHADOW, Irby said. This is only in its very early stages and would only be followed up with if a customer expresses interest.
Staying on the navy side, the fourth generation CUSV is built and implemented in design for the US Navy. A multimission capability for minehunting, -sweeping, and -neutralisation is envisioned.
