$26M to Upgrade Predator Drone’s Targeting

Raytheon Systems Co. in McKinney, TX received a $26 million firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00164-00-G-0007) to upgrade the MQ-1 Predator’s sensors and targeting capabilities. This contract comes at a time when the USAF is proposing to significantly expand its force of Predators.
Multi-spectral Targeting Systems (MTS) will be added in their “A” configuration, including 22 Turret Units and associated line items in support of the Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) program. The MTS is a forward-looking infrared system for the Predator UAV that provides real-time imagery selectable between infrared and day TV, as well as a laser-designation capability. Work will be performed in McKinney, TX and is expected to be complete by June 2007. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division in Crane, IN issued the contract modification.