Boeing Australia and IAI Win Australian UAV Contract

The Australian Defence Force selected Boeing Australia Limited as the preferred tenderer to provide the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) capability solution for its Joint Project (JP) 129 requirement. On 12 December 2005, Senator Robert Hill the then Minister for Defence, announced that the Australian Government had agreed to the $145 million UAV project to provide the Army with a high precision day and night surveillance and targeting capability with accompanying ground systems.

The Boeing Australia and IAI solution for joint project 129, the I-View 250 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sets the standard for air vehicle technology, providing airborne surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition to support ADF land operations. Key features of the I-View system include dual-redundant, fully Automated. Take Off and Landing mechanisms (ATOL) including a unique powered parafoil landing system that allows recovery in rough, confined terrain with little or no surface preparation; multiple EO/IR payload options with the option to fit a SAR; TCDL and EPLRS communications systems to ensure joint and coalition interoperability and a highly advanced ground control station fitted to standard Army vehicles.

The Boeing Australia and IAI solution also includes a strong in-country support, modification, and upgrade capability that builds Australian self-reliance and critical capability development.

“We are particularly pleased that a number of Australian small-to-medium enterprises and research institutions will assist us to deliver our solution and provide through life support,” David Gray said. “Boeing Australia strongly supports the development of local industry and research organisations, and the activities that will be undertaken as part of the JP 129 project will clearly demonstrate that commitment.”