Since being deployed to Iraq at the outset of military operations in early 2003, Shadow TUAS units have flown more than 17,000 sorties and 76,000 flight hours in support of U.S. and allied operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"This is the fourth consecutive full-rate production contract awarded to AAI since the U.S. Army first selected our Shadow TUAS as a vital intelligence-gathering asset for U.S. and allied warfighters," said Frederick M. Strader, president and chief executive officer of United Industrial and AAI Corporation.

"We are pleased to extend our production and development of Shadow's innovative technologies and advanced capabilities that are relied upon to accomplish missions and save lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom," Strader added.

Since December 1999, when the U.S. Army first selected AAI as the Shadow TUAS prime contractor, the company has received production awards for a total of 64 U.S. Army Shadow systems, bringing to 256 the total number of production Shadow 200 aircraft ordered - each system includes four aircraft. Forty-three systems have thus far been delivered, and system deliveries now extend through March 2008.

In addition to the production of Shadow systems, AAI provides support and sustainment operations for fielded and deployed U.S. Army TUAS units.

United Industrial Corporation designs, produces, and supports defense systems. Its products and services include unmanned aircraft systems, training and simulation systems, automated aircraft test and maintenance equipment, armament systems, logistical and engineering services, and other leading-edge technology solutions for defense needs. The company also manufactures combustion equipment for biomass and refuse fuels.

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