“After proudly working with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) under the MEUAS II contract, we look forward to continuing this relationship and fulfilling all of their operational expectations,” says Textron Systems Unmanned Systems Vice President of Small and Medium Endurance UAS David Phillips. “With the Aerosonde system’s maturity and experience spanning nearly 200,000 flight hours around the world, as well as the system’s multi-mission and expeditionary capacity, we are providing unmatched capabilities to USSOCOM. It is our priority to support and understand our customers’ needs – and this is a great example of how our solutions can help to address them.”

The Aerosonde SUAS is equipped to carry numerous payloads in a single flight; for example, advanced electro-optic/infrared payloads for day-and-night persistent oversight, precision survey imaging, as well as communications relay to extend the reach of communications in non-linear terrain. Further, incorporating 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.