Submitted by TEAM Public Affairs, PEO (CU)

The Navy took a major step into the future of unmanned air flight today with the announcement of a $93.7-million contract for Engineering and Manufacturing Development (E&MD) of its next generation unmanned air vehicle. The Program Executive Office (Cruise Missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) awarded the contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation, Ryan Aeronautical Center in San Diego for the company's Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV).

The VTUAV will provide real-time and near real-time data required to support intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance. Vertical launch and recovery capabilities give the fleet unique operational assets. It can operate from any air capable ship as well as confined land-based areas. The Navy expects this system to perform a variety of roles including the ability to conduct detailed area surveillance and reconnaissance, and battle damage assessments. It can also identify targets, relay communications, conduct chemical or nuclear monitoring, and observe naval gunfire support.

"This contract award is an important step for the Navy's next generation of Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicles," said Rear Adm. Jack Chenevey, program executive officer. "The Northrop Grumman system will let us rapidly field a VTUAV capability that meets warfighter requirements. In addition, adaptable sensors and payloads as well as a ground station which incorporates the tactical control system will enable growth for future requirements."

Subcontractors to this effort include Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, Big Flats, N.Y.; Lockheed Martin Federal Systems, Corporation, Owego, N.Y.; L-3 Communications, Salt Lake City, Utah; Northrop Grumman ESSS, Baltimore, Md.; TAMAM-Israel Aircraft Industries, Israel; and Sierra Nevada Corporation, Sparks, N.V.