Textron to build video systems to enable Army vehicles and infantry to receive video from unmanned aircraft
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – U.S. Army reconnaissance experts needed modular video and data systems for Army land vehicles and infantry warfighters that enables users to downlink live surveillance images and geospatial data remotely from manned and unmanned aircraft. They found their solution from Textron Systems Corp. in Hunt Valley, Md.
Officials of the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., announced a $92.5 million contract to Textron on Thursday One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) and Soldier Portable OSRVT (SPOT) production with contractor logistics support.
The Textron OSRVT is a modular video and data system for reconnaissance that enables warfighters to downlink live surveillance images and critical geospatial data remotely from joint operations tactical UAVs and manned aircraft.
SPOT systems are smaller version of the OSRVT, and are for the individual warfighter to provide near-real-time surveillance imagery for immediate reaction to threats or to assist in identifying friendly units. Army officials say they will buy as many as 100 new OSRVTs and as many as 100 SPOT systems from Textron.
The Army awarded the contract to Textron sole-source because the skills necessary to build these systems only is available from Textron, Army officials say.
OSRVT provides data and telemetry from UAVs like the Textron Shadow drone, yet its common software also can integrate with tracked and wheeled ground vehicles to enhance warfighter situational awareness on the battlefield.
The OSRVT's graphical user interface delivers battlespace information in live video or annotated map views, and enables users to save, export, and analyze data.
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The OSRVT delivers real-time situational awareness with a modular hardware design that can be configured for manpack, mounted, stationary, airborne, and maritime applications.
Upgrades to the OSRVT with bi-directional capabilities also will enable users to control the electro-optical and infrared sensor payloads on a variety of UAVs.
On this contract Textron will do the work at locations to be determined with each order, and should be finished by February 2024. For more information contact Textron Systems online at www.textronsystems.com, or the Army Contracting Command-Redstone at https://acc.army.mil/contractingcenters/acc-rsa/.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
