AAI, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron company, announced that its Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TUAS) have completed 100,000 missions.

With 113 systems ordered and 87 delivered, Shadow systems are deployed with the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, Army Special Forces and Marine Corps. These systems have amassed more than 445,000 flight hours, the majority of which have been in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The Shadow aircraft's mission set continues to expand through our ongoing enhancement activities," says VP of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid. "We are fortunate to have several touch points with our users, from focus groups to direct feedback received by our field service representatives who work alongside deployed Shadow units. This valuable feedback keeps us connected to our customers' ever-changing mission needs so we can deliver system upgrades that meet those needs or anticipate new ones."

Among current upgrades is a new lithium battery designed to provide power in the event of generator failure, giving the aircraft more than an hour and a half of additional flight time to land safely on base without necessitating an emergency parachute recovery. AAI also is integrating a new electronic fuel injection engine and a new fuel delivery system, which together are expected to bolster system reliability. The new battery, electronic fuel injection engine and fuel delivery system are expected to be fielded starting in late 2009.

AAI designs, produces, and supports aerospace and defense systems through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, AAI Services, Aerosonde Pty Ltd, ESL Defence Limited, and Symtx.

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