Textron Systems

Textron Systems is a US defense and aerospace manufacturer operating as a business segment of Textron Inc., headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Its unmanned-systems operations, including the Aerosonde product line, are centered in Hunt Valley, Maryland — the historic home of AAI Corporation, founded in 1950. Textron acquired AAI's parent company in 2007, folding its unmanned-aircraft and electronic-systems businesses into what is now branded Textron Systems.

Product families

Textron Systems produces several uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) families alongside land, marine, weapons, and simulation-training products. Its UAS portfolio includes the RQ-7 Shadow tactical UAS and the Aerosonde small tactical UAS family, plus related ground-control and payload systems. The company's broader catalogue spans marine landing craft, armored vehicles, precision weapons, and flight-simulation and training systems.

Programmes and customers

Textron Systems supplies uncrewed aircraft and defense equipment to the US Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Special Operations Command, as well as allied government customers. Its Aerosonde family has been delivered to the US Army's Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) programme and to international operators including the Nigerian Army. See the Aerosonde UAS profile for details.