As Lead Systems Integrator, SNC will convert the Army-owned aircraft into fully functional HADES prototypes. The aircraft are designed to provide advanced deep-sensing capabilities for multi-domain operations against peer and near-peer adversaries.
“We are proud to continue this partnership with the PEO Aviation Fixed Wing Project Office to develop and deliver this critical capability to Army aviation,” said Josh Walsh, vice president of programmes. “SNC is leveraging hundreds of thousands of hours of design and integration experience to deliver the kind of mission-specific solution that will give our soldiers the tactical advantage they need in today’s near-peer environment.”
The HADES prototypes are intended to reduce programme risk and mature key technologies, including a modular open systems approach. Using Army-furnished jets, they will be the first Army-owned large-cabin business aircraft converted into aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.
Many of SNC’s design and integration capabilities, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, are incorporated into the HADES system. These will enable rapid mission processing, exploitation and dissemination to enhance all-domain awareness.
SNC said its solution is based on model-based systems engineering, reducing the time needed to integrate new systems and capabilities. The modular design allows rapid reconfiguration for specific missions without redesigning the aircraft, while an open architecture backbone maximises flexibility and schedules.
“SNC’s HADES solution emphasizes rapid configurability, allowing the aircraft to be swiftly tailored to meet specific reconnaissance mission requirements,” said Tim Harper, vice president of business development. “This capability ensures that the HADES jets can be deployed anywhere in the world within 24 hours’ notice, providing transformational improvements in speed, range, payload and endurance for the Army’s aerial ISR collection efforts.”
With more than six decades of aircraft modification experience, SNC’s engineering and maintenance teams will carry out the work in Maryland. The company will also provide ongoing government-owned, contractor-operated services, including flight and maintenance operations and logistics support.
Source: Sierra Nevada Corporation (press release).
