The U.S. Army Topographic Engineering Center (Army TEC) has awarded a contract extension to Flight Landata Inc. of North Andover, Massachusetts, for the continuation of the BuckEye aerial imaging services in Afghanistan. Since 2007, Flight Landata has been flying the BuckEye aerial imaging system to acquire ultra-high resolution imagery for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and mapping activities on behalf of U.S. military commanders in the region. Prior to the 2007 deployment, the BuckEye system had already earned its reputation as a mission-tested, combat-proven remote sensing solution in other U.S. military engagements. In 2006, BuckEye was recognized as one of the Army’s Top Ten Inventions. And more recently, BuckEye was named by C4ISR magazine as one of their top five sensors of 2008. Applications of BuckEye imagery in war zones have included photogrammetric mapping, change detection, and 3D terrain mapping.

In addition to operating the BuckEye, Flight Landata develops and builds imaging systems, including the electro-optical (EO) version of the BuckEye that is being operated in Iraq, Afghanistan, and United States.  The BuckEye EO is a light-weight imaging system that can be flown aboard fixed wing, rotor wing, and UAV aircraft to acquire large-format natural-color imagery with centimeter-level resolution. Under the initial 2007 Army TEC contract, Flight Landata has provided a complete ISR/mapping solution to the U.S. military by managing all flight operations of the BuckEye system aboard the company’s aircraft.

“ISR missions are playing an increasingly important role in U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, and the Army recognizes that BuckEye provides critical support to those efforts,” said Tom Harris, President of Flight Landata. “Recognition of the unique BuckEye capabilities continues to grow in many sectors, and Flight Landata has expanded its resources in response to this growing need.” Building on the BuckEye’s unique combination of mission-tested sensors, and combat-proven flight experience, Flight Landata has invested in developing and purchasing additional aerial imaging assets. The company is ready to deploy systems and aircraft anywhere in the world on short notice.