SNC Secures $554 Million Deal to Revolutionize U.S. Army’s A-ISR Jets with Cutting-Edge RAPCON-X Technology

SNC has secured a multi-year, $554 million agreement to provide aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (A-ISR) aircraft to support the Army’s Theater Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Aerial–Signals Intelligence (ATHENA-S) initiative.

Presently in development, the RAPCON-X suite of systems represents the latest enhancement to SNC’s comprehensive, A-ISR-as-a-service model for contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) capabilities – which includes aircraft, pilots, flight and maintenance operations, as well as logistical support – that can be deployed within just hours.

“We are honored to persist in our support for the Army as a primary contractor with innovative solutions that prioritize the warfighter,” remarked Tim Owings, executive vice president of SNC’s MST business segment. “This recognition directly reflects SNC’s dedication to having ‘skin in the game’ and being proactive by predicting challenges and pioneering solutions well ahead of time.”

The ATHENA-S initiative is pivotal to the Army’s “campaign of learning,” aimed at acclimating its aviation and intelligence sectors to high-altitude sensing operations. It aims to address the Army’s aerial surveillance requirements until the Army-operated High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program becomes operational later in this decade.

SNC’s RAPCON-X solution features a fully configured aircraft with a specialized mission interior that includes workstations, a galley, restrooms, and crew sleeping quarters. Designed using model-based systems engineering (MBSE), it facilitates rapid modifications and uses an open architecture for mission systems, significantly decreasing the time needed to integrate new systems and enhance capabilities.

To guarantee readiness to meet the Army’s timeline, SNC acquired two RAPCON-X Bombardier Global 6500 jets in 2022, positioning SNC to have both aircraft ready for operations by Q3 2024. The jets have been undergoing engineering integration for over 20 months through SNC’s internal funding mechanisms.

“Our born-digital design methodology and engineering practices position RAPCON-X among the most potent and swiftly configurable A-ISR platforms globally,” Owings stated. “RAPCON-X is a system-of-systems that is prepared to execute the mission, anytime and anywhere the need arises, quickly adapting as the battlefield evolves.”

Swift adaptability means the aircraft can be rapidly modified for specific reconnaissance missions by easily swapping out onboard equipment to suit tactical requirements. In its standard configuration, RAPCON-X can gather and process signals intelligence, electro-optical reconnaissance, and ground moving-target diagnostics using synthetic aperture radar. SNC will carry out operations on this contract from its aircraft integration facilities located in Hagerstown, Maryland.

SNC is a pioneer in innovative, advanced technological solutions and open architecture integrations in the fields of aerospace and national security. For 60 years, SNC has strived to remain ahead of the curve, developing solutions today to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. SNC provides essential, cutting-edge tools that our nation’s heroes require to defend freedom and ensure their safe return, including tailored solutions in aviation, electronic support measures, JADC2, mission systems, and integrated cybersecurity.