NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., April 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, and Hydronalix announced today that the organizations have teamed to develop small naval surface systems.
The agreement unites Textron Defense Systems' years of experience engineering and manufacturing sophisticated sensor systems and precision weapons with Hydronalix's high-speed, unique, man-portable watercraft. Together, the organizations will explore designs and applications for a family of small naval surface systems capable of executing port security, littoral operations, mine countermeasures and other critical military and homeland security missions.
"Our military customers have come to know and trust our expertly engineered, technologically advanced sensors and weapons during years of successful battlefield deployment by air and on land," explains Senior Vice President and General Manager Ellen Lord of Textron Defense Systems. "Teaming with Hydronalix, we can apply this same expertise to the maritime domain — serving a broader base of customers and addressing the needs of our armed forces."
Among Textron Defense Systems' array of technologies is a suite of Unattended Ground Sensors designed to provide situational awareness reliably over a long mission life, as well as ground- and air-based smart weapons that are proven to be both precise and safe to noncombatants.
Hydronalix is leading the way in developing maritime micro-robotics and is best known for its Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard (EMILY). Funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, EMILY delivers speeds up to 24 miles per hour and is used to assist first responders for rescuing swimmers in distress. The company is also known for its National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration multi-day duration, 65-inch length, EMILY Hurricane Tracker unmanned surface vessel (USV) — a finalist for Aviation Week's 2012 Innovation Challenge.
In addition, Hydronalix produces and develops USVs utilizing cutting-edge intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, communications and propulsion designs. The U.S. Navy currently supports Hydronalix demonstrations of automated ordnance mapping for shallow littoral environments where the use of larger vessels is impractical or difficult, and where there is a desire to reduce the use of human operators. Additional applications for Hydronalix USVs include weather and climate monitoring; subsurface scanning and detection; search and rescue in ocean and swift water environments; situational data gathering, littoral mapping and coastal surveillance; communications and data relay; anti-piracy; swarm deterrence and other interdiction missions. The Hydronalix team has a proven track record of delivering advanced, cost effective capabilities to military, scientific and commercial users.
"Hydronalix is excited about the prospects of teaming with Textron Defense Systems to develop technologically advanced unmanned surface vehicles," says Hydronalix Chief Executive Officer Anthony Mulligan. "We are confident our collaboration will deliver innovative solutions to complex warfighter needs."
Media Contacts:
Sharon Corona
Textron Systems Corporation
(410) 628-3184
Rori Marston
Hydronalix
(202) 441-0903
About Hydronalix
Hydronalix, located in Green Valley, Arizona, is an industry leader developing new technology concepts for maritime micro-robotics and delivering innovative solutions to complex maritime problems. More information is available at www.hydronalix.com.
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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