Mercury Computer Systems’ subsidiary, KOR Electronics Defense Solutions and AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which is Textron Systems’ operating division recently declared a strategic alliance. This collaboration will integrate AAI's proficiency as a UAS systems integrator with signals intelligence (SIGINT) equipment of KOR.
The organizations will incorporate KOR's SIGINT products based on expeditionary tactical unmanned aircraft including AAI's well-established Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System that recently complemented AAI's portfolio of Multi-Mission Payloads (MMP). For an effectual mission at hand, each modular MMP "pod" can be equipped with the Shadow aircraft.
The Senior VP and General Manager of AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Steven Reid says that through this technology, warfighters can obtain practical, real-time data on their adversaries’ activities. By deploying AAI’s Shadow aircraft, which is proven versatile equipment for several U.S. and allied customers, this major mission will enable rapid delivery of intelligence to an extensive range of deployed forces and formations.
According to KOR Electronics President and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Carnino, while assessing initial alliance partners, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems was recognized by KOR to be the market pioneer in UAS development, design, manufacture and support. Furthermore, Shadow Tactical UAS is well-suited for KOR's SIGINT precision location capability. Integrated with the Shadow aircraft's existing electro-optic or infrared sensor, KOR's precision location capability will enhance the complete timeline, thereby improved the utility of the Shadow system's intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance.