US ARMY invests US$300M plus to maintain Shadow 200 as worlds leading capability in TUAV systems
17 Nov 2005
The Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) System is set to remain at the forefront of battlefield operations and capability with the US Army committing more than US$300M over the next five years to its ongoing evolution and development.
Being offered as part of BAE Systems bid for Australias JP129, continued investment in the Shadow system offers the Australian Defence Force a low risk, highly-capable solution providing full interoperability with US Forces.
Stephen Birrell, General Manger of BAE Systems said: The transfer of technology is a key factor to consider. Any improvements the US Army makes to the Shadow will become available to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This will allow Australia to consider system improvements without undergoing extensive prototyping, testing and final integration activities, ultimately enabling the ADF to maintain a state-of-the-art system at very minimal cost.
The Shadow 200 is the only solution offered for JP129 Phase 2 to be deployed in a tactical capacity anywhere in the world. It entered service with the US Army in 2001, with full-rate production commencing in 2003. Recognised as the latest in TUAV technology and capability, the system has significantly benefited from its real-world use in the combat environment of Iraq over the past 2 years. It has amassed more than 53,000 flight hours in Iraq alone, resulting in the identification of system enhancements and modifications. These enhancements and modifications are encapsulated in a six-month rolling block upgrade ensuring the Shadow 200 is at the leading edge of technology and capability. This ongoing product improvement program is a core component of maintaining the US Armys tactical battlefield surveillance and target acquisition capability.
BAE Systems is teamed with AAI Corporation, the manufacturer of the Shadow 200, and leading Australian SMEs for the ADFs TUAV System project, JP129. The team is offering a highly effective TUAV solution, tailored to meet the ADFs specific requirements.
BAE Systems unrivalled capability in Australia, coupled with the ongoing success of the US Army Shadow TUAV System and the US Armys ongoing investment in Shadow, confirm the BAE Systems-AAI team as the most capable and lowest risk solution for JP129 now and into the operational future of the ADFs TUAV capability, said Stephen.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The Company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems. BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The Company employs over 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 14.8 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
For further information, please contact:
Shelley Mearns, BAE Systems Australia
Tel: +61 0 8 8480 7211, Mob: +61 (0) 402 890 760
Jo-Anne Marshall, BAE Systems Australia
Tel: +61 8 8480 7842
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