Insitu Inc. has announced it has been awarded the Small Tactical Unmanned Air System (STUAS)/Tier II contract from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for its Integrator unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

In partnership with The Boeing Company, Harris Corporation, Corsair Engineering and Black Ram Engineering Services, Insitu will begin the 24-month engineering, manufacturing and development phase to build and test its Integrator UAS satisfying STUAS/Tier II system requirements.

Under the contract, Integrator will support two operational assessments. The first will determine if an early operational capability option will be exercised leading to the fielding of up to five systems in fiscal 2011.

The second will support low-rate initial production of two systems, one each for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Initial operating capability is expected in fourth quarter fiscal 2013. Integrator is then expected to move to full-rate production of up to 56 systems.

"I'm looking forward to fielding the capabilities of STUAS to our forward deployed forces," said Capt. JR Brown, PMA-263 Program Manager. "This critical system will greatly increase their intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in theater."

Integrator provides battlefield commanders with 24/7, real-time, actionable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) products via Hood Technologies' electro-optic and infrared sensor package.

High-resolution imagery is transmitted through an encrypted line-of-sight digital data link provided by L-3 Communication Systems-West. Harris Corporation will provide the next generation communications relay payload to support secure ground communications.

"We are extremely honored to be awarded this contract and we look forward to partnering with NAVAIR PMA-263," said Insitu Vice President of Emerging Programs and STUAS/Tier II Program Manager Bill Clark. "Integrator provides unsurpassed growth capability for expanding into new and future missions. With the award of this contract, Integrator will continue the Insitu legacy of supporting our troops in harm's way."

The field-proven Insitu ScanEagle UAS has served the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps since 2004 and will continue supporting U.S. and allied forces as customer needs require.

"ScanEagle has played a vital role in protecting our warfighters by providing them with the ISR products they need," said Director of Unmanned Airborne Systems for Boeing Vic Sweberg.

"We see the STUAS contract as a big step forward as Boeing expands its presence in the UAS market."