BAE SYSTEMS To Supply Reconnaissance System to Royal Air Force of Oman.

Business Editors/Defense Writers

GREENLAWN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 2004

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to supply Advanced Airborne Reconnaissance Systems, ground processing capability, and integrated logistics support to the Royal Air Force of Oman. The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract was issued by Aeronautical Systems Center of Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio.

The Advanced Airborne Reconnaissance System (AARS) is a world-class intelligence gathering system providing multiple fields-of-view in a single sensor package. The completely digital reconnaissance system will replace the wet film system currently used by the Royal Air Force of Oman.

The system's output is compatible with U.S. and many NATO reconnaissance ground interpretation systems and will enhance coalition operations in the region. Delivery of the system will be integrated into Block 50 F-16 aircraft to be delivered by Lockheed Martin. BAE Systems personnel will provide in-country service and support for basic operation and maintenance of the reconnaissance system.

"Multiple fields-of-view in a single sensor package means that the right reconnaissance capability is always on the aircraft, even as battle space knowledge and threats change. This simplifies logistics and dramatically reduces mission deployment time by avoiding mission-specific sensor configurations," said David Hails, BAE Systems vice president and general manager for Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems, Greenlawn, New York. "By integrating all elements of a sophisticated reconnaissance capability, we are providing the Royal Air Force of Oman with a fully integrated, flight proven, broad reconnaissance capability, in a flexible, user-oriented system."

The AARS, developed by BAE Systems Communication, Navigation, Identification and Reconnaissance (CNIR), is a complete turnkey, near-real-time reconnaissance system enabling both airborne image acquisition and solid-state storage, ground exploitation, moving target indication, and intelligence dissemination capabilities. The airborne system can be deployed on a variety of military aircraft and features multiple fields-of-view in a single sensor, the largest having a 120-inch focal length. The system allows for either individual or simultaneous visible and infrared imaging in manual or autonomous operation modes.

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. BAE Systems CNIR provides technically superior solutions that transform the armed forces' communication, situational awareness, mobility, and mission effectiveness.