Navy adjusts schedule for maritime surveillance UAS

The Navy has made minor adjustments to its development schedule for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aerial system in the wake of an industry protest last year that delayed the effort, reports Aviation Week.

The first aircraft will begin testing in fiscal 2012, said Capt. Bob Dishman, the Navy’s program manager for maritime UAS. Earlier plans called for flight testing as early as 2011. Low-rate production likely will follow in fiscal 2013, and initial operational capability is slated to take place by early fiscal 2016, he said.

Northrop Grumman won the $1.6 billion development contract in April. The company beat an offering from a Lockheed Martin and General Atomics team. Lockheed Martin protested the decision, but a government audit upheld the Navy’s decision.