Textron Defense Systems' unattended ground sensors enter low-rate initial production

WILMINGTON, USA: Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, announced that its Unattended Ground Sensors program has entered low-rate initial production (LRIP) as part of Increment 1 of the Brigade Combat Team Modernization (BCTM) program.

This results from the BCTM program’s rigorous Milestone C review process and approval by the Defense Acquisition Board in December 2009, encompassing criteria including successful test, evaluation and operational assessment, as well as minimal manufacturing risk, mature software capability, interoperability, supportability, information assurance features and anti-tamper provisions.

“While this milestone is a source of pride for our team, our focus remains on the work yet to be accomplished on behalf of our troops. Unattended Ground Sensors increase their protection and confidence while facing the demands and dangers of the current mission.”

Textron Defense Systems is scheduled to deliver its Tactical-Unattended Ground Sensors (T-UGS) and Urban-Unattended Ground Sensors (U-UGS) during 2011, in close cooperation with prime contractor Boeing. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division will be equipped with the sensors for the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation process beginning in 2011.

“The BCTM program’s positive Milestone C decision and transition into LRIP are critical steps toward getting our T-UGS and U-UGS into the hands of warfighters,” says Senior Vice President and General Manager Mark Catizone of Textron Defense Systems. “While this milestone is a source of pride for our team, our focus remains on the work yet to be accomplished on behalf of our troops. Unattended Ground Sensors increase their protection and confidence while facing the demands and dangers of the current mission.”

Textron Defense Systems’ T-UGS and U-UGS detect, classify, locate and track threats to provide warfighters actionable intelligence in near real time. The T-UGS variant includes small, robust ground-based networked devices that provide an early warning system capable of remote operation under all weather conditions.

Textron Defense Systems and Honeywell International Inc. teamed to develop the U-UGS variant, a wireless, hand-emplaced system of sensors that can be used during the securing of buildings, caves, sewers, tunnels, alleys and other confined spaces.