Textron Systems Secures Deal for Next-Gen UAS Operations on Second US Navy ESB Vessel

Textron Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., revealed today that it has secured a contract valued up to $22 million from the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to deliver UAS operational assistance to the USS Miguel Keith, designated ESB-5. This contract commences in FY23 and has a total potential duration of five years. This award builds upon the four-year extension of USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4) granted earlier this year and adds to two DDG-class vessels, increasing the total number of U.S. Navy ships supported by the Aerosonde® UAS system to four.

Under this agreement, Textron Systems will utilize its Aerosonde UAS to deliver extended range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services with improved mission payloads aboard the ESB-5. The company’s Field Service Representatives (FSR) will collaborate with the sailors onboard to provide assistance for a diverse range of maritime operations.

“There are several vessels within the Navy that can take advantage of consistent multi-INT ISR,” stated Wayne Prender, Senior Vice President, Air Systems. “Through this fee-for-service contract, the Navy can further develop future shipboard ISR needs while simultaneously supporting ongoing real-world operations. We are already witnessing the advantages for DDG and ESB-class ships, and we will keep enhancing our services to provide the specialized operational and logistical capabilities our clients require to achieve their missions and ensure the safety of our sailors.”

The Aerosonde system has accumulated over 585,000 flight hours while serving numerous U.S. and international allies. It is designed for expeditionary land and sea operations in challenging environments and is equipped for various payload configurations. For more than a decade, Textron Systems has delivered comprehensive, fee-for-service operations, offering hands-on operational support for clients across the globe.