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AAI’s Shadow® Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System Named to C4ISR Journal’s “Big 25” Technologies

Dépèche transmise le 10 septembre 2009 par Business Wire

AAI’s Shadow® Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System Named to C4ISR Journal’s “Big 25” Technologies

HUNT VALLEY, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that its Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) has been named one of the “Big 25” technologies of 2009 by C4ISR Journal, a defense trade publication dedicated to the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) market.

According to the publication’s Web site, winners in the “platforms” category include “structures that carry ISR [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] sensors or communications technology” and “must be making a significant difference in a battle zone, in deterring enemies or in gathering intelligence.”

AAI’s Shadow unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are in service with the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, Army Special Forces and Marine Corps. They have accumulated more than 435,000 operational flight hours, the majority of which have taken place in Iraq and Afghanistan supporting America’s warfighters.

“I couldn't agree more with C4ISR Journal’s decision to name the Shadow TUAS as one of this year’s ‘Big 25’ technologies,” says Project Manager Unmanned Aircraft Systems Col. Greg Gonzalez, located at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. “The Shadow system has been a true vanguard for unmanned aircraft system operations in the U.S. Army, and has continued to be the Army’s UAS workhorse since being fielded at the turn of this century. Every day, the Shadow helps save soldiers’ lives by locating improvised explosive devices, assisting in the apprehension of enemy combatants, and providing other vital ISR and target acquisition data.”

“Innovation in the unmanned systems industry centers on delivering critically important situational awareness intelligence for America’s men and women in combat,” says AAI Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid. “Because of that, we never lose sight of why these systems are so important, and why their capabilities must constantly broaden and increase in proportion to the warfighter’s need for them. We’ll continue to enhance the Shadow TUAS to meet those needs.”

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

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 and Shadow are registered trademarks of AAI Corporation.