Jul 30 2010
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has given the Small Tactical Unmanned Air System (STUAS)/Tier II contract to Insitu Inc. for its Integrator unmanned aircraft system (UAS).
Insitu, in partnership with Black Ram Engineering Services, Corsair Engineering, Harris Corporation and The Boeing Company, will start the two-year development, engineering and manufacturing phase for testing and building its Integrator UAS-fulfilling STUAS/Tier II system requirements.
As per the agreement, Integrator will support two functional assessments. The first is likely to determine if an initial operational capability alternative will be exercised that leads to the fielding of around five systems during fiscal 2011. The second is likely to support initial manufacture of two systems, with one system for the U.S. Marine Corps and the other system for the U.S. Navy Corps. After 2013, Integrator is likely to move into full-speed production of around 56 systems.
Integrator offers battlefield commanders with real-time, 24/7, actionable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions by means of the infrared and electro-optic sensor package of Hood Technologies. High-resolution images are sent by means of a line-of-sight digital information link offered by L-3 Communication Systems-West. In order to support reliable ground communications, Harris Corporation will offer advanced communications relay payload.
Since 2004, the U.S. Marine and U.S. Navy Corps have been served with the Insitu ScanEagle UAS. Insitu intends to serve the U.S. as well as allied forces with its products as and when needs arise.
Source: http://www.hoodtech.com/