AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, an operating unit of Textron
Systems, a
Textron Inc.
(
TXT
) company, has won the competitive Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft
Systems (MEUAS) II award from the U.S. Special Operations Command
(USSOCOM). The three-year award, valued at just under $600 million,
includes support operations using AAI's Aerosonde Small Unmanned
Aircraft System (SUAS). Total initial funding for these activities
is $20 million.
The Aerosonde SUAS is a high-performance system that
incorporates a heavy-fuel engine for superior endurance. The
Aerosonde aircraft's single electro-optic/infrared payload delivers
day-and-night, persistent intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance, while its large payload size, weight and power can
accommodate another payload of choice for multi-mission
flexibility. It utilizes AAI's one-piece Launch and Recovery
Trailer and the Expeditionary Ground Control Station for
expeditionary land- and sea-based operations.
Another Textron Systems operating unit, AAI Logistics &
Technical Services will provide worldwide operations and
maintenance support for the MEUAS II program. The company's
experienced UAS operators and field service representatives have
been deployed successfully around the globe in support of customer
requirements.
AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems designs and manufactures
combat-proven unmanned aircraft systems. AAI's multi-mission
capable unmanned aircraft and interoperable command and control
technologies provide critical situational awareness and actionable
intelligence for users worldwide.
Headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Textron Systems is
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 and operational services.
We believe Textron should do well in its commercial aerospace
businesses with the gradual recovery in the economy. The improving
fundamentals in the commercial aerospace industry should bode well
for Textron's Cessna jets and Bell Helicopter businesses going
forward. Cessna's fortunes will improve mainly through high demand
for light cabin business jets.
Also, in the near term, Bell's growth will be guided by a
judicious mix of military and commercial business from the V-22
Osprey and H-1 helicopters. Textron Systems will also see growth
coming from government's focus on UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)
and ASVs (armored security vehicles).
Also, Textron's geographically diverse network of aircraft,
defense & intelligence, industrial and finance businesses
counters any specific business risk. The company is known around
the world for its most recognizable and valuable brand names, such
as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex,
Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee.
The company has a strong presence in diverse areas of business
jets and other general aviation aircraft, helicopter, aircraft
engines, golf carts, turf maintenance equipment, electronic test
equipment and blow-molded fuel tanks.
Textron, bullish on its top-line growth prospects across all of
its manufacturing segments, is forecasting fiscal 2012 revenues of
approximately $12.5 billion.
Our Neutral recommendation on the stock is in sync with its
diversified conglomerate peers like
CLARCOR Inc.
(
CLC
) and
Carlisle Companies Incorporated
(
CSL
).
CLARCOR INC (
CLC
): Free Stock Analysis Report
CARLISLE COS IN (
CSL
): Free Stock Analysis Report
TEXTRON INC (
TXT
): Free Stock Analysis Report
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