AAI Signs Agreement with FAA to Research UAS Integration into National Airspace

HUNT VALLEY, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the completion of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, or CRDA, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform a variety of operational and technical assessments to support integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS).

“UAS are expanding into more roles in military and commercial applications. This is a critical point in the development of the industry to get ahead of the demand. Working with the FAA helps us understand the issues facing integration into the NAS, and we offer our industry expertise to assist.”

The UAS FAA Industry Team, or UFIT, arrangement, which includes AAI, GE Aviation Systems and the FAA, provides a safe and effective means to simulate flying AAI’s Shadow® Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) in the NAS. Testing will be conducted at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City using the Shadow TUAS, including Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast Technology and four-dimensional trajectory-based flight management testing with GE Aviation Systems. Shadow systems have logged more than 420,000 operational hours, the majority of which have taken place in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of U.S. military operations.

“It is important for AAI and members of the UAS industry to be involved in the process of developing regulations and standards for integrating unmanned aircraft into the NAS,” said AAI Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid. “UAS are expanding into more roles in military and commercial applications. This is a critical point in the development of the industry to get ahead of the demand. Working with the FAA helps us understand the issues facing integration into the NAS, and we offer our industry expertise to assist.”

The issue of unmanned aircraft operating in the NAS has garnered attention at the Congressional level as well. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are moving ahead with legislation to help integrate UAS into the air traffic control system.

About AAI

AAI Corporation designs, produces, and supports aerospace and defense systems through its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, AAI Services Corporation, Aerosonde Pty Ltd, ESL Defence Limited, and Symtx, Inc. Its high-technology products and services include unmanned aircraft systems, training and simulation systems, automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment, armament systems, aviation ground support equipment, and logistical, engineering, and supply chain services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.

About Textron Systems

Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems, and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

AAI and Shadow are registered trademarks of AAI Corporation.