QF-16 target

Composite Engineering, a Kratos Defense & Security Solutions subsidiary has secured a contract for the delivery of unmanned aerial target systems as part of the US military’s Parts and Repair Ordering System IV (PROS IV) programme.

Covering supply of unspecified unmanned aerial targets, the $1.9m contract was awarded by the PROS IV prime contractor, S&K Aerospace.

CEI senior vice-president and general manager Wayne Armstrong said the supply of target drones to S&K Aerospace for US FMS programme represents another milestone in the company’s expanding access to foreign markets.

”We are honored to provide allied nations the systems they need to ensure their armed forces receive unparalleled training opportunities," Armstrong said.

"Covering supply of unspecified unmanned aerial targets, the $1.9m contract was awarded by the PROS IV prime contractor, S&K Aerospace."

Managed by the Air Force Security Assistance Center (AFSAC), the PROS IV programme is a tri-service initiative focused on supporting more than 90 foreign military sales (FMS) customers through acquisition and maintenance support for a broad spectrum of non-standard and hard-to-support standard items.

With Parts & Repair Technical Services and General Dynamics Information Technology as other team members, the programme also offers task order support for specialised engineering and technical services, as well as other support services for an estimated $975m military hardware.

The unmanned aerial target drone is a remote-controlled system designed to serve as high fidelity enemy threat surrogate by precisely replicating performance characteristics of the threat aircraft and missiles during weapon system evaluation and training programmes.

Production of specialised hardware and equipment will commence immediately at the company’s several secure facilities across the US, whereas deliveries are scheduled to be complete in 2014.


Image: US Air Force’s QF-16 supersonic reusable full-scale aerial target drone during its flight. Photo: courtesy of Chris Cokeing.

Defence Technology