Story ID: 418
Cessna Citation CJ4 Gets Surveillance Capability
By: David Donald
Caption: On display the Singapore Airshow is a Citation CJ4 outfitted with BIRD Aerosystems' ASIO maritime surveillance system
Word Count: 173
Israeli company BIRD Aerosystems is displaying its ASIO surveillance system on a Textron Cessna Citation CJ4 this week at the Singapore Airshow. Being shown as part of Textron Aviation’s outside display, the ASIO-equipped Citation CJ4 is making its debut Asia-Pacific appearance.

ASIO (Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence and Observation) is a complete ISR system that provides commanders with real-time terrestrial and maritime information. Integrated with BIRD Aerosystems’ mission management system, ASIO can support multiple sensor configurations for a range of overwater missions. The Citation CJ4 was selected by BIRD as the ideal platform for ASIO, offering an optimum endurance/load balance, reliability and cost-effectiveness in the overwater maritime mission. The Citation/ASIO combination has been adopted by the Mexican air force, whose Citations are equipped with a Leonardo Seaspray search radar in an underbelly fairing, with electro-optical sensor turret. Mexico also operates ASIO-equipped Bell 407 helicopters.

As well as its work with surveillance solutions, BIRD also produces a range of airborne missile protection systems for fixed- and rotary-wing platforms.