Matthew Nelson
Leidos' Dynetics subsidiary has awarded Ascent AeroSystems a follow-on order to manufacture and deliver unmanned aerial systems designed to operate within austere environments.Â
The Spirit UAS has a cylindrical configuration and features a dual payload mount system to allow the integration of various operating concepts such as perch-and-stare capabilities, Ascent said Monday.
Users may incorporate payload modules individually or in tandem atop and below the system's core.
Spirits are available in ready-to-fly configurations that support the use of electro-optical and infrared camera systems.
Mark Miller, Dynetics' vice president and division manager of missile and aviation systems, said the initial batch of Spirit systems the company received in 2020 matched the reliability and performance of Ascent's other coaxial platforms.
"We're identifying more and more opportunities where this platform can be used to benefit warfighters on the ground, in the air and on the sea," he added.
Ascent is a Massachusetts-based company that offers services and products for public safety, defense and industrial applications.
