The Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) System is set to remain at the forefront of battlefield operations and capability with the US Army committing more than US$300M over the next five years to its ongoing evolution and development.

Being offered as part of BAE Systems’ bid for Australia’s JP129, continued investment in the Shadow system offers the Australian Defence Force a low risk, highly-capable solution providing full interoperability with US Forces.

Stephen Birrell, General Manger of BAE Systems said: “The transfer of technology is a key factor to consider. Any improvements the US Army makes to the Shadow will become available to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This will allow Australia to consider system improvements without undergoing extensive prototyping, testing and final integration activities, ultimately enabling the ADF to maintain a state-of-the-art system at very minimal cost”.

The Shadow 200 is the only solution offered for JP129 Phase 2 to be deployed in a tactical capacity anywhere in the world. It entered service with the US Army in 2001, with full-rate production commencing in 2003. Recognised as the latest in TUAV technology and capability, the system has significantly benefited from its “real-world” use in the combat environment of Iraq over the past 2 years. It has amassed more than 53,000 flight hours in Iraq alone, resulting in the identification of system enhancements and modifications. These enhancements and modifications are encapsulated in a six-month rolling block upgrade ensuring the Shadow 200 is at the leading edge of technology and capability. This ongoing product improvement program is a core component of maintaining the US Army’s tactical battlefield surveillance and target acquisition capability.

BAE Systems is teamed with AAI Corporation, the manufacturer of the Shadow 200, and leading Australian SMEs for the ADF’s TUAV System project, JP129. The team is offering a highly effective TUAV solution, tailored to meet the ADF’s specific requirements.

“BAE Systems’ unrivalled capability in Australia, coupled with the ongoing success of the US Army Shadow TUAV System and the US Army’s ongoing investment in Shadow, confirm the BAE Systems-AAI team as the most capable and lowest risk solution for JP129 now and into the operational future of the ADF’s TUAV capability,” said Stephen.

BAE Systems
27.11.2005