QinetiQ wins targets contract with US Army
Image courtesy QinetiQ
The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has an estimated ceiling of $95 million and is the first time QinetiQ is entering the US market as a prime contractor of highly sophisticated aerial target systems.
Under this contract, QinetiQ will compete for task orders, providing a comprehensive range of aerial systems - including the advanced MQM-185B (Banshee Jet 80+) - to simulate threats for the US Army’s training and testing exercises around the world. QinetiQ will also deliver operational support to maximise the effectiveness, usability and reliability of the targets provided.
Sam Lewis, Group Chief Growth Officer, QinetiQ, said: "Achieving this first step of becoming a prime contractor to the US 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, US, Australia, Germany and Canada.
"Being entrusted to help train and ready US troops to combat the evolving threats we collectively face, cements QinetiQ’s global credibility as a provider of highly adaptable and affordable aerial targets."
On behalf of the US Army, QinetiQ will leverage its end-to-end expertise in target systems from across the Group to research and develop new target technologies, deliver systems engineering for enhanced performance, integration of advanced payloads for threat replication and software to improve autonomous capabilities.
QinetiQ has more than 30 years of 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 customisation, to meet specific customer needs.
Flown in over 40 countries and used during exercises launched from the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, the Banshee Jet 80+ provides the opportunity to run accurate drills by emulating cruise missiles and enemy fast jets which may be faced on mission. The MQM-185B has a maximum altitude of 30,000ft and can also perform low level sea skimming and terrain following, delivering a realistic adversary to train against.
