Collins Aerospace has achieved a pivotal milestone in modern reconnaissance technology. The company announced the successful completion of flight testing for the MS-110 Multispectral Airborne Reconnaissance System, marking a significant step towards bolstering global intelligence capabilities.
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Photo: UTC Aerospace
Following the inaugural flight on an F-16 for an undisclosed international customer in July 2022, Collins Aerospace conducted extensive flight tests and ground activities to validate the system’s wide area, long-range sensor suite for deployment. As part of its commitment to enhancing global reconnaissance capabilities, the company is set to deliver 16 MS-110 sensors to international Fast-Jet operators. Additionally, contractual activities are underway for another 13 pods designated for three additional customers.
The MS-110’s advancements build upon the successful DB-110 deployment, sharing a common support and imagery exploitation infrastructure. Existing DB-110 operators have the option to upgrade their pods to the MS-110 configuration, reducing costs and minimizing operational downtime. The system’s multispectral features significantly enhance intelligence analysts’ ability to extract vital information from diverse target sets.
Taiwan could be the undisclosed international customer mentioned by Collins Aerospace. The country’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced in late July last year that it signed a contract with the United States to acquire six sets of MS-110 airborne reconnaissance systems. The move is expected to significantly enhance Taiwan’s long-range air reconnaissance capability. While specific details of the arms package were not disclosed, the MND confirmed that the MS-110 represents the “latest generation airborne reconnaissance pod.”
The purchase contract, valued at approximately US$343 million, took effect on July 8, 2022 with plans to deploy the MS-110 system in Hualien County, eastern Taiwan, by March 15, 2029. A military source with inside knowledge revealed that the package includes six MS-110 Pods, reinforcing Taiwan’s F-16 jet fleet.
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