TAMPA, Fla., May 22, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SOFIC 2012 -- Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that its BattleHawk Squad-Level Loitering Munition completed a successful demonstration for the U.S. Army's Rapid Equipping Force at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center in Socorro, N.M. Amid the rugged terrain of south-central New Mexico, the range offered an operationally realistic environment for several mission scenarios, including non-line-of-sight target prosecution and stand-off attack across a mountain peak. The BattleHawk Squad-Level Loitering Munition is on display today at the 2012 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Fla., booth #704.
The Rapid Equipping Force demonstration debuted several system enhancements that Textron Defense Systems has incorporated into its BattleHawk system since its introduction as the Tactical Remote Aerial Munition, or T-RAM, in 2011. Among these are improved maneuverability in mountainous terrain; upgraded dual, high-resolution digital cameras for more comprehensive target detection and tracking; and moving target tracking during terminal guidance maneuvers. Also demonstrated was the system's ability to execute the operator's pre-programmed flight path as evolving battlefield conditions demand.
"We believe that the BattleHawk Squad-Level Loitering Munition exhibits all of the attributes that the Army looks for in emerging technologies — effective performance, affordability, simple operation, minimal training and immediate applicability to warfighter needs," says Senior Vice President and General Manager Ellen Lord of Textron Defense Systems. "We have listened to our customer in designing and refining the system, and the results are self evident in the product's performance during the recent demonstration. We continue development of the system with the end-user's needs in mind."
Media Contact:
Sharon Corona
Textron Systems Corporation
(410) 628-3184
About Textron Defense Systems
Textron Defense Systems employs advanced technology and industry-leading expertise to develop and manufacture innovative product solutions including air-and ground-based smart weapons; directed energy weapons; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, systems; and vehicle protection systems. Its distinctive solutions for U.S. and allied militaries, aerospace and homeland security communities provide precision effects, intelligence-gathering capabilities and force protection. Textron Defense Systems is an operating unit of Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textrondefense.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company is known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment and operational services. Textron Systems includes AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced Systems, Aerosonde, ESL Defence, Lycoming Engines, Medical Numerics, MillenWorks, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
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The following pictures are available for download:
| [Image] | Takeoff |
| [Image] | Launch Prep |
| [Image] | Operationally Relevant Environment |