HUNT VALLEY, MD, Oct 01, 2015 (Marketwired via COMTEX) — Textron Systems Unmanned Systems, a Textron Inc. TXT, -1.37% business, announced today that the company provided its equipment and personnel in support of a multi-day wildfire response and decision support effort in Idaho with the U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Forest Service. Held in the area of Tepee Springs, where tens of thousands of acres were involved in or threatened by wildfire activity at its peak, Textron Systems operators worked alongside federal agencies to provide real-time situational awareness and data to support the speed and accuracy of decision making. Information on burn intensity, fuels and heat concentrations were provided in real time.
The Aerosonde(TM) Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) has amassed more than 100,000 flight hours in commercial and military operations around the world. Among these are scientific and meteorological missions, from the eye of hurricane Noel to Antarctica. The Aerosonde aircraft is outfitted with sensors to give responders real-time data on fire growth, burn intensity, fuels and heat concentrations. Aerosonde is also equipped to carry numerous payloads in a single flight; for example, advanced electro-optic/infrared payloads for day-and-night persistent oversight of the impacted area, as well as communications relay to extend the reach of responders’ equipment. Using Lycoming’s EL-005 engine, the Aerosonde is the only system in its class with a propulsion system completely supported by a manufacturer with unmatched manned aviation expertise, including a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Production Certificate. With that comes Lycoming Engines’ established processes for engine development, production, services and support.
In addition to the aircraft, Textron Systems also provided Remote Video Terminal products, which delivered imagery and situational awareness from the unmanned aircraft directly and securely to firefighters and personnel on the ground. More than 4,500 Textron Systems Remote Video Terminals are used by customers within the U.S. Department of Defense, and the technology is well suited to civil applications such as emergency response.
Giving incident commanders a comprehensive view of the situation, Textron Systems’ iCommand® suite offered a command-and-control and visualization tool to see a common operational picture and task responders in real time.
Textron Systems was joined in this demonstration by VDOS Global, a service provider for oil and gas inspection, environmental research, aerial surveying and other services to customers in the Arctic, Middle East, Gulf of Mexico and more, under a memorandum of understanding established earlier this year. In addition, FireWhat, a technology company providing innovations for emergency services, delivered custom tools for firefighters to map and track assets in and out of the field.
“Unmanned systems can operate where it may be unsafe or impractical for manned aircraft to fly,” says Vice President, Small/Medium-Endurance UAS David Phillips. “Our Aerosonde aircraft is able to carry numerous sensors in a single flight, providing a variety of critical data points in real time, while personnel remain at a safe standoff distance. Quiet operation and a small equipment footprint also help support these time-critical response missions. It has been an honor for us to assist local and federal officials with this valuable demonstration on an issue that impacts so many of our Western states.”
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.
