FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release #99-124
Dec. 27, 1999
The United States Army announced today that AAI Corporations is the winner of the recently completed Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) competition.
The source selection was based on a full and open competition with the goal to select the best value system for the Army. The Army and AAI Corporation, based in Hunt Valley, Md., signed a $41.8 million contract for the production of four Low Rate Initial Production TUAV systems. The initial four systems will be used for developmental testing, operational training, and as test articles for an Initial Operational Test and Evaluation scheduled for the third quarter of FY 2001.
AAI Corporation has significant experience in producing and operating unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition to producing the Shadow 200 UAV, the company is also a partner, with Pioneer Inc., in producing the Pioneer UAV currently in use by the Navy and Marine Corps.
The TUAV will provide Army tactical maneuver commanders with an organic capability to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition, and battlefield damage assessment, as well as maintain situation awareness out to an objective range of 200 kilometers.
For more information, contact Army Public Affairs, (703) 697-7592.