UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corporation UTX recently completed the first flight test of its latest MS-177 long-range, multi-spectral imaging sensor on the Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft System. The company initiated the test on Feb 8, at the Northrop Grumman facility.

UTC Aerospace was awarded this contract by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) on Sep 19, 2016. With the application of this technology in its planes, the U.S. military will be able to see airborne images at a greater distance with enhanced clarity.

The MS-177 was built upon the expertise and success of UTC Aerospace's Senior Year Electro-Optical Reconnaissance System sensor, which is currently used in the U-2S aircraft. The MS-177 is the new benchmark in imaging intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors. Its integration into the Global Hawk platform expands the mission capability that the company provides. The MS-177 Family of Systems sensor will offer improved image resolution over a longer range. It will also provide enhanced coverage area per hour compared to other Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensors in the U.S. military inventory. This sensor system can operate from multiple ISR platforms, satisfying military requirements to improve operations both on land and sea.

With the completion of the Global Hawk flight, MS-177 is slated to commence a six-month integration, testing and qualification phase before it officially takes the field in the second half of 2017.

Based in Hartford, CT, United Technologies provides high-end technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. The company serves various end markets such as aerospace, defense and commercial construction. The business diversification allows the company to remain profitable amid tough economic times.

Some of its peers in the industry include 3M Company MMM, Barloworld Limited BRRAY and Bunzl plc BZLFY. The company is working toward enhancing its product portfolio to stay ahead of its peers. Such research and development initiatives may put pressure on the company’s profits initially but will boost its top line going forward.

The Best & Worst of Zacks

Today you are invited to download the full, up-to-the-minute list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" free of charge. From 1988 through 2015 this list has averaged a stellar gain of +25% per year. Plus, you may download 220 Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells." Even though this list holds many stocks that seem to be solid, it has historically performed 6X worse than the market. See these critical buys and sells free >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Click for Free 3M Company (MMM) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
Click for Free United Technologies Corporation (UTX) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
Click for Free Bunzl PLC (BZLFY) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
Click for Free Barloworld Ltd. (BRRAY) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research