Lockheed Martin to continue PTDS support
The Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS) in use with the US Army in Afghanistan will continue to be operated and supported by Lockheed Martin under a $345 million contract announced on 21 October.
The PTDS is a tethered aerostat-based system that provides real-time situational awareness of insurgent and other illegal activity in the area.
The platform carries multiple sensors and surveillance equipment to deliver constant day and night, 360 degree detection, surveillance, monitoring and force protection not possible with other types of manned and unmanned aircraft. The PTDS can remain aloft for more than 25 consecutive days.
Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions, said: ‘PTDS has proven to be a critical asset for the protection of our forces and those of our allies. We will work in theatre with the army to ensure that PTDS continues to provide mission critical support directly to our warfighters.’
The US Army's Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, Product Manager, Meteorological and Target Identification Capabilities, based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., will provide programme and acquisition management.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
