BAE Systems will provide the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command a defensive weapon system for NAVAIR's V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. The system is based on the company's Remote Guardian SystemTM, (RGS), a remotely operated defensive weapon system that provides 360° of suppressive weapons fire for the V-22.

BAE Systems' Remote Guardian System is a common airborne defensive capability. RGS, designed to be belly-mounted on the V-22, is the first remote weapon system capable of delivering accurate, sustained fire throughout the aircraft's flight envelope. It features a compact, retractable design that saves valuable aircraft cabin space and is compatible with the full complement of the V-22's avionics suite.

"This system will provide vital protection to the V-22, its operators, and the Marines it will carry," said Jim Garceau, vice president of defense avionics for BAE Systems. "The weapon system's accuracy and ability to lock onto a stationary target in flight are critical to the defense of the aircraft."

Under the $14 million contract, which calls for a belly-mounted, all quadrant defensive weapon capability for the Osprey, BAE Systems will produce and support RGS defensive weapon systems to be delivered by the end of 2012. The contract also includes a $12 million exercisable option for additional systems and support.

BAE Systems has been working on the RGS technology for more than four years. The work for this system will be performed at BAE Systems facilities in Johnson City, New York, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.