Advanced Aerial Target Systems Set for U.S. Army

QinetiQ has received an Aerial Target Systems (ATS-3) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from the U.S. Army for its highly sophisticated target systems. 

Under this contract, QinetiQ will compete for task orders, providing a comprehensive range of aerial systems. This includes the advanced MQM-185B (Banshee Jet 80+), among other systems, to simulate threats for the U.S. Army’s training and testing exercises around the world. 

QinetiQ will also deliver operational support to maximize the effectiveness, usability, and reliability of the targets provided.

On behalf of the U.S. Army, QinetiQ will leverage its end-to-end expertise in target systems from across the Group to research and develop new target technologies, and deliver systems engineering for enhanced performance. The company will also integrate advanced payloads for threat replication, along with software to improve autonomous capabilities.

The latest contract has an estimated ceiling of $95 million and is the first time QinetiQ is entering the U.S. market as a prime contractor of aerial target systems.

QinetiQ reportedly has extensive experience in the aerial targets market, with the company’s target systems delivering a 97% mission success rate over the past five years. The adaptable nature of the targets allows for rapid integration of new payloads and customization, to meet specific customer needs.

Sam Lewis, Group Chief Growth Officer, QinetiQ, commented “Achieving this first step of becoming a prime contractor to the U.S. Army has been a global effort, drawing on our world-leading expertise in target systems, engineering and robotics services from our operations in the UK, U.S., Australia, Germany and Canada.

“Being entrusted to help train and ready U.S. troops to combat the evolving threats we collectively face, cements QinetiQ’s global credibility as a provider of highly adaptable and affordable aerial targets.”