Control system for multi-UAVs gets nod

FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Raytheon Co. received a $16.5 million Navy contract to migrate the current Tactical Control System to a Linux-based operating system and add upgrades to the system software. The Navy's vision is to develop a common unmanned aircraft ground system for multiple platforms, allowing operators to run on one system multiple unmanned aircraft and payloads. Among other things, the contract provides for integration and testing leading to operational evaluation on the Fire Scout. The Navy plans to conduct operational evaluations of the Fire Scout this summer. (Source: Raytheon, 04/29/09) Gulf Coast note: Fire Scouts are made in part at the Unmanned Systems Center in Moss Point, Miss.