Boeing subsidiary Insitu, of Bingen, Wash., was awarded the Small Tactical Unmanned Air System (STUAS)/Tier II contract from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for its Integrator unmanned aircraft system (UAS).
In partnership with Boeing, Harris Corp., Corsair Engineering and Black Ram Engineering Services, Insitu will begin the 24-month engineering, manufacturing and development phase to build and test its Integrator UAS for STUAS/Tier II system requirements.
Under the contract, Integrator will support two operational assessments. The first will determine if an early operational capability option will be exercised, leading to the fielding of up to five systems in fiscal 2011. The second will support low-rate initial production of two systems, one each for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Initial operating capability is expected in fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. The Integrator platform then is expected to move to full-rate production of up to 56 systems.
“I’m looking forward to fielding the capabilities of STUAS to our forward deployed forces,” said Capt. JR Brown, NAVAIR PMA-263 Program Manager. “This critical system will greatly increase their intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in theater.”
NetJets to Equip with Aircell Internet System
Fractional aircraft ownership company NetJets will equip more than 250 of its midsize and large-cabin aircraft with High-Speed Internet Systems from Aircell, the companies announced Thursday. Installations begin this month.
Aircell said the program with NetJets represents the largest order for high-speed Internet service in the history of business aviation. NetJets plans to have all future fleet aircraft, including light cabin models, delivered from the factory with high speed Internet service.
“With the Internet at the center of business and personal lives, a full-speed connection has become an expected service for busy people who travel. NetJets owners are some of the most accomplished and productive people in the world and I know they will appreciate the added option to stay connected while onboard their aircraft,” said David Sokol, NetJets chairman and CEO.
Thales Awarded Croatian ATM Contracts
Thales said Friday it has signed two contracts to supply and install primary and secondary radar systems at airports in Croatia.
Under terms of the contracts, which were signed in May and June but just announced Thursday, Thales will supply its STAR 2000/RSM 970 S radars at Zagreb international airport and for the equipment of the regional airports of Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik by deploying extensions of the EUROCAT Air Traffic Management (ATM) system from Zagreb operated since 2005.
The Thales STAR 2000 and co-mounted RSM 970 S Mode S MSSR radar equipment are solid-state radars that will feed data into the Thales EUROCAT Air Traffic Control center. EUROCAT is an air traffic management system designed to ensure safe and efficient operations for en-route, approach and airport movements.
Thales has supplied a total of 260 air traffic control centres worldwide, all designed to comply with international standards and meet customers' requirements for enhanced air traffic safety and security.
“We are proud to pursue our 30-year partnership with Croatia Control Ltd. and to help Croatia’s civil aviation community ensure that the safety of flying in the Croatian skies is continuously enhanced.” says Rémi Gille, Thales Vice President for ATM business.
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