More Shadows over Iraq

, the defence subsidiary of

, has received $129 million from the US Army for 12 additional Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) systems.

The additional 12 systems, which include 48 advanced RQ-7B air vehicles, 24 ground control stations, and associated components and support equipment, will be delivered over the next 18 months.

Shadow TUAVs are a mainstay of tactical unmanned system surveillance and reconnaissance operations in support of US and allied forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and other global operations.

Since being deployed to Iraq at the outset of military operations in early 2003, Shadow TUAV systems have flown more than 9,300 sorties, amassing 37,000 flight hours.

Since December 1999, when the US Army selected AAI to be the Shadow TUAV system prime contractor, the company has received awards for the production of 55 Shadow systems, bringing to 220 the total number of air vehicles ordered. Thirty-one systems have been delivered, with system deliveries now extending through to November 2006.