USAF orders APEx Predator Systems
The US Air Force (USAF) Battlefield Airmen Special Projects Office (SPO) has ordered the commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) APEx Predator System from Black Diamond Advanced Technology (BDATech), the company announced on 10 July.
BDATech received a $48.1 million, five-year IDIQ contract for the systems, including an initial order of 22 APEx system kits for operational testing as an operational control systems solution.
The wearable, modular APEx Predator System features an agile port expander controller for power and data distribution, a COTS tablet computer and system cabling for use in dismounted operations. It can be connected to a tactical computer, system power cable or multiple peripheral cables, or an end user device. It provides SUAS control, DACAS operations and C4ISR capabilities to the dismounted operator.
According to BDATech, the APEx Predator System is planned to be fielded to all USAF Battlefield Airmen to include Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Combat Control Teams (CCT), Para Rescue (PJ) and Combat Weatherman.
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