US Army Explores Hummingbird Sensor Payloads

The US Army is exploring the possibility of fielding the Boeing A-160 Hummingbird in Afghanistan. The prospective deployment to the central Asian theater hinges to some extent upon the aircraft's ability to carry the vehicle and dismount exploitation radar (VADER), integration efforts of which are presently being sponsored by the US DoD Joint Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). The prospective deployment of the VADER-equipped platform is being studied by the Army and Special Operations Command (SOCOM), with a decision anticipated prior to 1/2010. The Hummingbird is to be fitted with the FOliage penetration REconnaissance, Surveillance, Tracking and Engagement Radar (FORESTER), developed by Syracuse Research Corporation, (SRC), intended to facilitate surveillance of densely wooded areas.