Boeing creates Unmanned Airborne Systems Division

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the formation of an Unmanned Airborne Systems (UAS) division within its defense and space business unit. The new division will lead the company's sustained pursuit and execution of UAS business and the transition of new products from research to production.

The UAS division will assume program management responsibility for the A160T Hummingbird, Unmanned Little Bird and SolarEagle (Vulture) programs. Insitu Inc., a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary that manufactures the ScanEagle and Integrator unmanned aerial systems, will report to the new division.

Speaking at the Paris Air Show, Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS), said Boeing's experience in developing and manufacturing unmanned systems has resulted in "a broad portfolio of unmanned systems in technology development and current service applications, spanning a number of critical mission types."

"This new division establishes a single leadership team focused on implementing a common strategy for unmanned airborne systems and services, and ensures access to resources and capabilities from across IDS," Albaugh added.

Boeing has named Vic Sweberg director of the new division. Sweberg will report to Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Military Aircraft, and lead a UAS team that operates from Boeing sites across the United States. Sweberg will coordinate closely with Phantom Works, the company's advanced research and technology unit, and Global Services & Support to provide customers with a full portfolio of products, services and support. Ground and underwater unmanned vehicles will remain in their current divisions.