Textron Systems Joins UAS Denmark

Textron #News Release:


Textron Systems Joins UAS Denmark

05/26/2015
Company Brings More Than a Million Flight Hours and 30+ Years of Unmanned Systems Experience to European Test Center


ODENSE, Denmark — May 26, 2015 — Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) business, announced today its participation in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Denmark. Founded in 2012, the innovation-driven UAS Denmark and its network includes representation from all parts of the industrial supply chain — including industry, research institutions and user organizations — to promote UAS development and testing, as well as to expand the market in Denmark and Europe. This includes the Nordic UAS Event at the UAS Test Center Denmark on May 27 and 28, where Textron Systems will exhibit.

Textron Systems actively supports customers in Europe, including the Swedish military, which currently uses the company’s ground-breaking Shadow® 200 Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS). In addition, the Italian military is fielding the most advanced generation of the Shadow 200 system, designated by the U.S. Department of Defense as the Shadow RQ-7B V2 TUAS. This configuration also is being fielded to the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command.

Additionally, Textron Systems is serving commercial customers internationally with its Aerosonde™ UAS, which is currently supporting oil and gas operations. The Aerosonde system’s history as a scientific and military platform have led to notable achievements. It was the world’s first UAS to cross the Atlantic Ocean, and has amassed more than 1,300 flight hours over the Arctic and Antarctica.

“Textron Systems is proud and eager to bring more than 30 years as a UAS designer and manufacturer to the UAS Denmark network of innovators and the Danish industry, as together we explore new applications for UAS,” says Textron Systems’ Director of Business Operations, Europe and Africa Bear Midkiff. “We are privileged to support our customers with operational and support services, living and working alongside them in some of the world’s most challenging environments, and have gained more than a million flight hours between our Shadow and Aerosonde systems as a result.”

“We are happy to see one of the biggest players in the UAS market joining our national network,” says UAS Denmark’s Head of UAS Michael Larsen. “Textron Systems has proven its strong capabilities within the field of the unmanned technologies for many years. For Denmark as a UAS country, this membership proves our ability to attract international companies that can potentially start cooperation with Danish companies and make the UAS business stronger in the country.”

About Textron Systems

Textron Systems’ businesses develop and integrate products, services and support for aerospace and defense customers, as well as civil and commercial customers including those in law enforcement, security, border patrol and critical infrastructure protection around the globe. Harnessing agility and a broad base of expertise, Textron Systems’ innovative businesses design, manufacture, field and support comprehensive solutions that expand customer capabilities and deliver value. Textron Systems consists of its Advanced Information Solutions, Electronic Systems, Geospatial Solutions, Lycoming Engines, Marine & Land Systems, Support Solutions, TRU Simulation + Training, Unmanned Systems and Weapon & Sensor Systems businesses. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.

About UAS Denmark

UAS Denmark is the national industry network for UAS organizations, and the network now counts over 80 members. The membership list is diverse and represents the whole UAS value chain — from developers and larger corporations to the large Danish research institutions and user organizations.

About Textron Inc.

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, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.