In an evolving battlespace where speed, connectivity, and information dominance define success, Textron Systems continues to add capability with the integration of a new technology into the Aerosonde® UAS platform. This new technology, a low size, weight, and power (SWaP), low-cost, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) transceiver, expands the diversity of C2 offerings and marks a major step toward enabling Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) SATCOM capabilities that is redefining how uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operate and communicate in high-threat environments. The impact of this integration is clear: this technology enhances the Aerosonde UAS’ mission flexibility and connectivity. This helps set the stage for future incorporation of Starshield’s Department of Defense (DOD) pLEO solution.
Expanding the Mission
With operationalization of pLEO, Textron Systems is positioning the Aerosonde UAS to overcome traditional Line of Sight (LOS) and datalink limitations. This will open new mission opportunities such as long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and distributed operations without depending on high-SWAP GEO SATCOM systems which tend to be cost prohibitive and limits MULTINT options in small group three UAS.
Empowering the Warfighter
For the U.S. military, this technology represents more than connectivity; it’s about protection and precision. By enabling distributed mission control from Tactical Operations Centers (TOCs), fewer personnel are required in harm’s way. Faster, more secure data sharing improves situational awareness, shortens decision cycles, and ensures timely, coordinated responses on the battlefield.
A Smaller, Smarter, More Secure Footprint
Beyond enhanced connectivity, the new technology integration makes Aerosonde smaller, lighter, and easier to deploy. The Ground Control Station has been streamlined, allowing greater agility and efficiency. Additionally, the integration supports enhanced cybersecurity, ensuring resilient and protected data exchanges.
Textron Systems remains committed to supporting the U.S. military and equipping the warfighter with cutting-edge technologies that evolve alongside their mission needs, helping them stay agile, informed, and out of harm’s way. To learn more about the capabilities the Aerosonde UAS family of products brings, click here.
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Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today an award from Arco Worldwide Services (AWS), a Nigerian uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) Solutions provider who will be providing contracted UAS services in support of Tantita Security Services, a highly respected and capable security solutions provider within Nigeria. The contract is for the delivery of three Aerosonde® Mk. 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS in a fully International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)-free configuration designed for ease of export to international customers. The aircraft will significantly advance the security solutions for protection of Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure. The contract, with options for training and additional aircraft for planned capability expansion, builds on a previous Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to the country.
The capabilities of the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS, including a runway-independent configuration that uses Hybrid Quadrotor technology to achieve VTOL, and proven performance and benchmark setting reliability, are important features in delivering adaptable security services across Nigeria’s high-risk sectors.
“The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a mature, highly reliable, and industry proven autonomous solution that will provide Tantita Security Services with transformational capability to execute their security services operations,” said Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems David Phillips. “The Aerosonde system’s demonstrated performance and benchmark-setting reliability enable AWS and the Tantita team to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity.”
This contract builds on support the Aerosonde UAS family of systems have been providing to international customers over the last several years. The Aerosonde UAS offers multi-mission capability built upon a family of systems which have amassed over 700,000 flight hours in some of the world’s most challenging environments. The system has conducted operations across the globe and currently operates on over 10 U.S. Navy ships. The system is equipped for multiple payload configurations with both VTOL and fixed-wing options.
ABOUT TEXTRON SYSTEMS
Textron Systems is a world leader in uncrewed air, surface and land products, services and support founded on the combined expertise in our family of brands that includes Textron Systems, Howe & Howe, Lycoming, and ATAC. We harness the unlimited power of teamwork to solve incredible problems across seven specialized domains: air, land, sea, propulsion, weapon systems, electronic systems and test, training & simulation. From product development and manufacturing to training, operations and support, we integrate and offer ingenious and advanced solutions to support defense, aerospace, and other customer missions. For more information, visit www.textronsystems.com.
ABOUT TEXTRON INC.
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, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
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Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), home to the Cessna, Beechcraft, and Bell aviation brands, today announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase Pipistrel, an award-winning pioneer and global leader in electrically powered aircraft, based in Slovenia and Italy.
With Textron, Pipistrel will have access to greater resources, technical and regulatory expertise and a global aircraft sales and support network, enabling it to accelerate its development and certification of electric and hybrid electric aircraft. Upon closing of the transaction, Textron plans to form a new business segment, Textron eAviation, focused on the development of sustainable aircraft, which will include Pipistrel.
“Pipistrel puts Textron in a uniquely strong position to develop technologies for the sustainable aviation market and develop a variety of new aircraft to meet a wide range of customer missions,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. “Today’s announcement supports Textron’s long-term strategy to offer a family of sustainable aircraft for urban air mobility, general aviation, cargo and special mission roles.”
“Pipistrel has been celebrated as one of the world’s most important and successful manufacturers of electric aircraft,” continued Donnelly. “Textron is committed to maintaining Pipistrel’s brand, headquarters, research and development, and manufacturing in Slovenia and Italy, while making additional investments in Pipistrel for the development and production of future products.”
Pipistrel founder and CEO Ivo Boscarol will remain a minority shareholder as well as Chairman Emeritus, consulting on future product plans and strategies for a two-year period.
“Under my 30-year leadership, Pipistrel’s team has achieved a unique prime position in personal, affordable, environmentally friendly and electric aviation. The trend and foundation for future projects has clearly been set,” said Boscarol. “To drive Pipistrel’s ambitious goals and to continue its story of success, the joining of Textron and Pipistrel provides deep expertise and resources which would otherwise be inaccessible to Pipistrel alone. With Textron, we are together geared to strive for future growth and look forward to announcing exciting new products and projects. I am delighted to continue witnessing my vision become a reality by being actively engaged with the company for the future.”
The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
About Textron Inc.
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, Cessna, Beechcraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
About Textron eAviation
Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Textron eAviation will focus on sustainable flying, backed by Textron’s 100 years of expertise and the restless spirit for innovation that is embodied in our Cessna, Beechcraft and Bell brands.
Taking the lead in Textron’s development of sustainably powered flight, Textron eAviation will leverage the industry-leading product design, certification, manufacturing, and aftermarket solutions from across Textron’s businesses coupled with the newly acquired expertise of Pipistrel.
About Pipistrel
In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development. This transaction include the following companies: PIPISTREL d.o.o., PIPISTREL VERTICAL SOLUTIONS d.o.o. and PIPISTREL ITALIA SRL. For more information, visit: www.pipistrel-aircraft.com
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