Aerial Surveillance Systems has announced that the company selected Stevens Aviation as its maintenance repair organization (MRO) to install, modify, certify and integrate its SkyEye 350 Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350-based aerial surveillance platform program.
In addition, FLIR Systems, Inc was selected to provide the electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor.
Stevens Aviation will be responsible for all aspects of the program including the installation of the special missions cargo pod, avionics upgrades and the fitting of the FLIR Systems sensor.
Stevens Aviation will also handle the installation and integration of all other mission control hardware and modifications, including a highly customized Rosen Aviation video display system and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' CLAW mission control software with moving map and full mission planning capabilities.
"After looking at all of the available MRO's in the United States, it was determined that Stevens Aviation would bring the most comprehensive and capable expertise and experience to our program," said Michael D. Long, director of international sales for Aerial Surveillance Systems.
"Their customer focus and commitment to excellence will help us make the SkyEye 350 the most successful aerial surveillance platform in the world and will take the program to the next level after the successful launch of the aircraft."
Aerial Surveillance Systems is now in the process of down selecting to FLIR Systems' Star SAFIRE HD or BRITE Star III.
The specially modified EO/IR sensor package will capture stabilized high-magnification images that allow the SkyEye 350 to provide a wide range of low-medium-high-altitude tactical missions and long-range covert surveillance operation capabilities. The sensor also provides the means to handle a variety of multi-role applications, which allow images to be transmitted in real-time to fixed and mobile receiver locations for immediate interpretation.
FLIR Systems' EO/IR, laser, surveillance and targeting systems provide unparalleled image stability and long-range detection capabilities. Currently, FLIR Systems sensors are on over 100 different types of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and ship platforms in more than 75 countries around the world.
"Stevens Aviation's extensive repair and upgrade work on the entire King Air line of corporate aircraft made the company a perfect choice as our MRO partner," said Long.
"Another factor that played a part in the selection is their ongoing depot level overhaul, maintenance and modification work experience for the United States military's C-12's and other government agency aircraft."
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