Night Eagle

The Night Eagle system is an airborne intelligence system that can simultaneously collect measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) and imagery intelligence (IMINT) data during intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. High-quality night camera imagery and amplitude change detection products are collected through the electro-optical and infrared camera. The Night Eagle mission profile enables the aircraft to fly the area of interest with multiple looks to facilitate the amplitude change detection. The Night Eagle system provides the tactical commander data needed to conduct counter improvised explosive device (C-IED) operations with amplitude change detection.

The Night Eagle system provides the tactical commander with day or night change detection to assist in C-IED operations and high resolution still-imagery products. Electro-optical/infra-red full-motion video may be disseminated to One System Remote Video Terminal users. The system can target precisely using laser illuminator and designator. All products are available via the Task Force ODIN SIPR architecture.

The Night Eagle system, a contractor-owned/contractor-operated system, consists of Beechcraft King Air A-200T fitted with an L-3 Sonoma electro-optical/infra-red camera system.

As of June 2010, Night Eagle was fielded as a quick reaction capability niche system deployed in the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations.

On 5 October 2011, the Department of Defense announced that Science Applications International Corporation of McLean, Virginia had been awarded a $16,004,292 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award would provide for the Night Eagle System services in support of fielded systems. Work would be performed in Bridgewater, Virginia; Iraq; and Afghanistan; with an estimated completion date of 30 April 2012. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received. The US Army Contracting Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia was the contracting activity.