First and Only TUAS to Achieve Milestone
Textron Systems Unmanned Systems, a Textronbusiness, has announced that its Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) has surpassed one million total flight hours, becoming the only unmanned aircraft system of its size to accomplish this significant milestone. More than 85 percent of these one million flight hours occurred during combat operations.
Since its introduction in 1999, the Shadow TUAS has received various upgrades, including all digital, encrypted communications, increased bandwidth and onboard power supporting multiple payloads in a single sortie, extended wings and engine improvements improving performance, as well as a network based architecture compliant with STANAG requirements for interoperability. The Shadow TUAS actively supports the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), as well as armed forces in Italy, Sweden and Australia.
“Achieving one million flight hours is a monumental milestone for the Shadow TUAS and its customers that demonstrates the Shadow system’s unparalleled reliability and performance,” says Textron Systems Unmanned Systems Vice President of TUAS Henry Finneral. “As the only UAS in its size to reach this milestone, our newest generation Shadow V2 offers the highest level of reliability matched only by its broadened set of operational capabilities.”
The Shadow V2 is an all-digital system optimized to excel in its core intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance role. Shadow V2 is equipped for additional simultaneous mission sets, including communications relay, target laser designation, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming. With the Army’s integration of the enhanced Shadow V2 TUAS into its combat aviation brigades, the system has been fielded successfully alongside Apache helicopters for ongoing aerial scouting combat missions. In 2015, Textron Systems also demonstrated the Shadow V2 aircraft with its own Fury lightweight precision weapon.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems’ businesses develop and integrate products, services and support for aerospace and defense customers, as well as civil and commercial customers including those in law enforcement, security, border patrol and critical infrastructure protection around the globe. Harnessing agility and a broad base of expertise, Textron Systems’ innovative businesses design, manufacture, field and support comprehensive solutions that expand customer capabilities and deliver value. Textron Systems consists of its Advanced Information Solutions, Electronic Systems, Geospatial Solutions, Lycoming Engines, Marine & Land Systems, Support Solutions, TRU Simulation + Training, Unmanned Systems and Weapon & Sensor Systems businesses. More information is available at 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 Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.
