Article Posted on : - Aug 02, 2010

US ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Photo: Insitu Inc.

WASHINGTON (BNS): US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded a $49 million contract to Insitu Inc. for the development of Small Tactical Unmanned Air System (STUAS)/Tier II, for its Integrator unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

The company will perform 24-month engineering, manufacturing and development phase work at its Bingen working center. It will also build and test the Integrator UAS satisfying STUAS/Tier II system requirements.

Under the contract, Integrator will support two operational assessments. The first will determine if an early operational capability option will be exercised leading to the fielding of up to five systems in fiscal 2011.

The second will support low-rate initial production of two systems, one each for the US Navy and US Marine Corps. Initial operating capability is expected in fourth quarter fiscal 2013. Integrator is then expected to move to full-rate production of up to 56 systems.

Integrator provides battlefield commanders with 24/7, real-time, actionable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) products via Hood Technologies’ electro-optic and infrared sensor package. High-resolution imagery is transmitted through an encrypted line-of-sight digital data link provided by L-3 Communication Systems-West.

“We are extremely honoured to be awarded this contract and we look forward to partnering with NAVAIR PMA-263,” Insitu Vice President of Emerging Programs and STUAS/Tier II Program Manager Bill Clark, said in a company news release.

Since 2004, the ScanEagle UAS is giving its services to US Navy and US Marine Corps.