Textron Systems Aerosonde UAS starts operations with Nigerian army.

Textron Systems announced on October 11 the first operational flights of its Aerosonde Unmanned Air System (UAS) for the Nigerian Army. The Aerosonde UAS hosts intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and will be the first UAS capability of its kind in the country.
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Aerosonde 4.7 Fixed Wing UAS (Picture source: Textron Systems)

 Nigeria took delivery of multiple Aerosonde 4.7 Fixed Wing UAS vehicles to enhance the nation’s domestic security and for ISR missions. Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) services are part of the agreement and include providing ongoing sustainment, logistics services, parts and repairs support, technical publication updates and continuous asset support for the duration of the contract.

“We are excited to see the continued expansion of Aerosonde to our partner countries. This delivery adds to our increasing international presence and highlights the market growth for advanced unmanned capabilities,” said Wayne Prender, Senior Vice President of Air Systems. “We know the Aerosonde system will make a difference for Nigeria as it provides the most cost-effective real-time ISR capability in its class.”

Aerosonde offers a multi-mission capability with a track record of proven reliability and performance from over 585,000 flight hours all over the world. Designed for expeditionary land- and sea-based operations, Aerosonde is equipped to deliver simultaneous day/night full-motion video, wide area surveillance, voice communications relay, signals intelligence and more. The Aerosonde UAS is also available in export-friendly, non-ITAR configurations that only require licensing through the US Department of Commerce for select countries.

The contract is authorized by the U.S. State Department as part of the Foreign Military Sales program.