Saab awards AAI $31.4 million to provide combat-proven Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems for the Swedish armed forces

AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, announced today that Sweden’s lead system integrator, Saab AB (publ), has selected AAI’s Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) for use by the Swedish armed forces. As the winner of a competition conducted by Saab on behalf of the Swedish Ministry of Defence, AAI has contracted to provide two Shadow 200 systems and associated services under the $31.4 million award.

Primary among Sweden’s TUAS requirements was the need for a mature, proven system. AAI’s Shadow systems have established their capabilities for a number of customers, including the US Army and Marine Corps, during more than 500,000 flight hours, the majority of which have taken place in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Our Shadow systems have amassed a record-breaking number of combat flight hours,” says Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid of AAI. “Having years of operational proof to confirm the system’s capabilities and performance, customers like the Swedish armed forces can invest confidently in a Shadow unmanned aircraft fleet.”

The Shadow TUAS leverages AAI’s interoperable One System® Ground Control Station (OSGCS) to receive and disseminate battlefield video. The OSGCS is NATO Standardization Agreement 4586 compliant, meaning that it enables interoperability among international military forces by supporting the operation of numerous different unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used by allied forces. As a result, Sweden’s Shadow 200 systems will provide the added benefit of working with equipment and capabilities in common with those of other NATO forces.

A single Shadow system includes four aircraft; two OSGCS systems and ground data terminals; four One System Remote Video Terminals, or OSRVTs; a One System portable ground control station; and associated components and support equipment.

With decades of experience designing, manufacturing, fielding and supporting UAS, AAI’s capabilities extend beyond system delivery, with an emphasis on a comprehensive UAS strategy for each customer.

“AAI is a full-service UAS provider,” says Senior Vice President and General Manager Ellen Lord of AAI. “We take a partnership role in helping customers determine the correct system for the mission, then go a step further to build a total-value solution. This might include training devices or instructional services, in-field logistics support or even operational services. We are equipped to build all of these components into a UAS solution so customers are set up for success.”

Source: AAI