Saab Conducted The Competitive Bid Process For Sweden
AAI Corporation announced Thursday that Sweden's lead system
integrator, Saab AB, has selected AAI's Shadow 200 Tactical
Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) for use by the Swedish armed
forces. As the winner of a competition conducted by Saab on behalf
of the Swedish Ministry of Defence, AAI has contracted to provide
two Shadow 200 systems and associated services under the $31.4
million award.
Primary among Sweden's TUAS requirements was the need for a
mature, proven system. AAI's Shadow systems have established their
capabilities for a number of customers, including the U.S. Army and
Marine Corps, during more than 500,000 flight hours, the majority
of which have taken place in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Our Shadow systems have amassed a record-breaking number of
combat flight hours," says Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft
Systems Steven Reid of AAI. "Having years of operational proof to
confirm the system's capabilities and performance, customers like
the Swedish armed forces can invest confidently in a Shadow
unmanned aircraft fleet."
The Shadow TUAS leverages AAI's interoperable One System Ground
Control Station (OSGCS) to receive and disseminate battlefield
video. The OSGCS is NATO Standardization Agreement 4586 compliant,
meaning that it enables interoperability among international
military forces by supporting the operation of numerous different
unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used by allied forces. As a result,
Sweden's Shadow 200 systems will provide the added benefit of
working with equipment and capabilities in common with those of
other NATO forces.
File Photo
A single Shadow system includes four aircraft; two OSGCS systems
and ground data terminals; four One System Remote Video Terminals,
or OSRVTs; a One System portable ground control station; and
associated components and support equipment.
With decades of experience designing, manufacturing, fielding
and supporting UAS, AAI's capabilities extend beyond system
delivery, with an emphasis on a comprehensive UAS strategy for each
customer.
"AAI is a full-service UAS provider," says Senior Vice President
and General Manager Ellen Lord of AAI. "We take a partnership role
in helping customers determine the correct system for the mission,
then go a step further to build a total-value solution. This might
include training devices or instructional services, in-field
logistics support or even operational services. We are equipped to
build all of these components into a UAS solution so customers are
set up for success."