SNC Grabs $554 Million Contract to Transform U.S. Army A-ISR Jets with Innovative RAPCON-X Technology
SNC has secured a multi-year, $554 million contract to deliver aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (A-ISR) aircraft to bolster the Army’s Theater Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Aerial–Signals Intelligence (ATHENA-S) initiative.
Currently in development, the RAPCON-X suite of systems embodies the most recent advancement to SNC’s extensive A-ISR-as-a-service model for contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) solutions – encompassing aircraft, pilots, flight and maintenance operations, alongside logistical support – that can be deployed promptly within hours.
“We are privileged to continue our support for the Army as a primary contractor with creative solutions that prioritize the warfighter,” stated Tim Owings, executive vice president of SNC’s MST business segment. “This acknowledgment directly underscores SNC’s commitment to having ‘skin in the game’ and proactively anticipating challenges while spearheading solutions well in advance.”
The ATHENA-S initiative is crucial to the Army’s “campaign of learning,” designed to prepare its aviation and intelligence sectors for high-altitude sensing operations. It intends to fulfill the Army’s aerial surveillance needs until the Army-operated High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program is operational later this decade.
SNC’s RAPCON-X offering features a fully outfitted aircraft with a specialized mission configuration that comprises workstations, a galley, restrooms, and crew sleeping quarters. Crafted employing model-based systems engineering (MBSE), it supports swift modifications and utilizes an open architecture for mission systems, significantly reducing the time required to integrate new systems and boost capabilities.
To ensure readiness to adhere to the Army’s timeline, SNC procured two RAPCON-X Bombardier Global 6500 jets in 2022, positioning SNC to have both aircraft operational by Q3 2024. The jets have been undergoing engineering integration for over 20 months through SNC’s internal funding processes.
“Our digital-native design approach and engineering methodologies place RAPCON-X among the most formidable and swiftly adaptable A-ISR platforms worldwide,” Owings remarked. “RAPCON-X is a system-of-systems ready to execute missions, anywhere and anytime the need arises, adjusting quickly as the battlefield evolves.”
Swift adaptability signifies that the aircraft can be rapidly customized for specific reconnaissance missions by easily swapping out onboard components to fit tactical demands. In its base configuration, RAPCON-X can collect and process signals intelligence, electro-optical reconnaissance, and ground moving-target diagnostics using synthetic aperture radar. SNC will conduct operations on this contract from its aircraft integration facilities situated in Hagerstown, Maryland.
SNC is a trailblazer in pioneering, advanced technological innovations and open architecture integrations within aerospace and national security domains. For 60 years, SNC has endeavored to stay ahead of the curve, devising solutions today to confront the challenges of tomorrow. SNC provides essential, state-of-the-art tools that our nation’s defenders require to uphold freedom and ensure their safe return, including customized solutions in aviation, electronic support measures, JADC2, mission systems, and integrated cybersecurity.
