The new contract will include classroom instruction, systems operator instruction and systems maintenance for the Pioneer UAV and its ground control system at Navy Outlying Field Choctaw in Milton, Fla.

Cubic's Worldwide Technical Services Division (WSTD), part of the Cubic Defense Applications group, received the award under the Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract that it won from NAVAIR in 2000.

The ID/IQ prequalified Cubic and a half-dozen other contractors to compete over a 10-year period for Navy Fielded Training Systems Support business.

Kevin Hayes, vice president of Range Programs and deputy general manager for WSTD, said Cubic's past and current experience with naval aviation will ensure a quick response capability for technical direction and problem resolution.

"The Worldwide Technical Services Division has more than 70 technicians at five different locations along the East Coast performing operation and maintenance of flight simulators," Hayes said.

"Besides this extensive network of potential on-call personnel, we can also draw upon the experience of military training professionals throughout the Cubic Defense Applications group."

"UAVs will play an important role in the future of the U.S. military operations, and we are proud to help the Navy train and maintain the technology in this important new tactical area," added Cubic Program Manager Harold Carlisle. "We think this contract will open a lot of doors for us."

Cubic is scheduled to take over UAV program support at NOLF Choctaw in June 2004. In an operational setting, Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commanders and Navy Battle Group commanders use Pioneer UAVs for real-time intelligence imagery for maritime, amphibious and ground combat operations.

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