BRIEF: UAV maker Aeronautics signs $1b deal with Textron: AAI Corp. will market the tactical Orbiter mini-UAV to the US and other countries.

Oct 05, 2008 (Globes - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- TXT | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd. has signed a cooperation agreement with Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) unit AAI Corporation to market Aeronautics' Orbiter Mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to US and other countries. AAI also will manufacture the Orbiter mini-UAV at its Maryland headquarters for select programs. The agreement could generate up to $1 billion revenue for Aeronautics Defense Systems over ten years.

The battery-powered Orbiter MUAV is less than 40 inches in length and designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It has an operational endurance of up to three hours, and a maximum altitude of 18,000 feet. It is designed for easy portability and operation by a two-man team in the field.

The Orbiter mini-UAV system is participating in an IDF procurement tender, and it is in use by the Polish and Irish militaries.

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