Built/Designed 'In Support of Global War on Terror'

The Global War on Terror has spawned a number of intruiguing development programs, especially in regards to aerial platforms. Based on the Beech King Air, Commuter Air Technology (CAT) has recently completed the ground and flight tests of its third generation STALKER aircraft. Earlier generations of the STALKER, a King Air based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) system have already been successfully deployed with Joint Special Operations Forces engaged in the Global War on Terror and with Special Operations Forces (SOF) units deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In addition to the SOF operator designed cockpit and mission system operator station(s), the latest version of the STALKER has a ruggedized, custom interior, a more capable communications suite than previous models, and comes with the WESCAM MX-15HD and Aerocomputer’s moving map system as standard equipment. “Our best yet,” says Darryl Wilkerson, CAT’s president and CEO. “We are excited about the new STALKER and what it brings to the fight,” he added.

“We are proud that the dedicated employees and partners of CAT have not only designed and produced the leading ISR solution for this class, but we have accomplished it with incredible speed and efficiency,” said Wilkerson. “We operate on an 'order plus 120 days' delivery schedule. Our ability to produce at this level means that these highly valued assets are in the hands of the war fighter sooner and thus making a greater impact.”

The deployment of ISR assets into the theater of war has been a top priority of Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates since early 2008 and led to the funding of over $1 billion for the effort.

FMI: www.commuterair.com, www.AGCAerospace.com