Mission System Wins Contract After Successful 2021 Demonstration
Collins Aerospace‘s RapidEdge mission system has been selected by the US Army for the small category of the Air Launched Effects programme.
The ALE programme will deliver a family of small, inexpensive UAS that can be launched from helicopters and larger UAVs, and which will be considered acceptable to lose during operations. The effects they will achieve while on operations will be considered of primary importance, with recovery of the devices post-mission considered a bonus. These systems will carry a variety of payloads that will help to extend the operational range of Army assets, and increase the effectiveness and survivability of manned platforms.
The RapidEdge system includes radios, data-handling technologies, and mission computing. Software and hardware also allow multiple ALE units to co-ordinate activities and work together towards achieving common mission goals. It is a modular system with the ability to integrate third-party systems.
“The RapidEdge Mission System demonstrates Collins’ technical and tactical expertise in the ALE market,” John Sapp, VP/GM of the company’s integrated solutions division, said. “This award is another proof point that Collins is always ready to solve complex and challenging customer problems today.”