ACS to Launch New Texas Factory for Bullfrog Anti-Drone Turrets
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is opening a new manufacturing site in Texas for its Bullfrog autonomous counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technology.
Located in Austin, the 191,000-square-foot (17,744-square-meter) expansion will allow the company to ramp up production of the weapon station as global demand for low-cost drone defense grows.
Bullfrog uses computer vision and automated controls to convert proven guns such as the M2, M240, M230, and M134 systems into precision anti-drone weapons, enabling warfighters to fire standard ammunition instead of costly missiles.
During operations, the platform can engage targets in Groups 1 to 3 at up to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet).
The turret is already fielded by the US Army and US Navy, with additional contracts from the US Special Operations Command, the Pentagon’s integrated C-UAS unit Joint Interagency Task Force 401, South Korea, and the UAE.
The US Marine Corps also selected the system for its Ground-Based Air Defense program.
“The United States and allied nations have sent us a clear message: they need Bullfrog to safeguard US and allied forces and critical infrastructure from this omnipresent threat, now,” ACS CEO Mike Wior stated.
“We’re building the production capacity so Bullfrog is at the ready when and where it is needed most, and we’re proud to do our part to support the reindustrialization of American manufacturing in the process.”
Backing ‘National Security Imperative’
Valued at over $2 billion following a $200-million funding round, ACS is currently hiring across engineering, manufacturing, testing, and supply chain operations.
In parallel with the Austin plant, the enterprise is also opening an engineering center in Silicon Valley.
“Advanced defense production is a national security imperative,” ACS Chief Operating Officer Laura Komkov said.
“By expanding our manufacturing capabilities and highly skilled workforce, we are further strengthening our ability to produce and deliver mission-critical hardware to the field as quickly as possible.”
