AeroVironment, Inc. a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it received a $4,151,320 firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract award on Sept. 27, 2021 to provide Puma™ 3 AE and Wasp® AE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), initial spares packages, training and support to an allied nation. Allied forces around the world continue to adopt and deploy AeroVironment’s battle-proven small unmanned aircraft systems in order to increase the mission effectiveness and safety of their frontline forces. Delivery is anticipated by September 2022. AeroVironment’s small UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base numbers more than 50 allied governments.
AeroVironment’s Wasp AE is a lightweight, man-packable unmanned aircraft system that weighs just over a kilogram and delivers best-in-class capabilities for an unmanned aircraft system of its size, including stealthy maneuverability, superior imagery, encrypted video and exceptional ease of use. Wasp’s gimbaled payload is mechanically stabilized, enabling it to transmit advanced imagery in high-wind conditions, while its advanced avionics allow operators the option of manual or autonomous navigation. The all-environment Wasp combines hand-launch capabilities with deep-stall landing for operations in confined areas on land or water. The aircraft also includes an integrated landing camera that provides operators with exceptional situational awareness as the aircraft approaches the ground.
AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE unmanned aircraft system is designed for land and maritime operations. The hand-launched Puma 3 AE has a wingspan of 9.2 feet, weighs 15 pounds and can operate for up to 2.5 hours. The aircraft also has a range of 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) with a standard range antenna, up to 24.9 miles (40 kilometers) with AeroVironment’s Extended Range Antenna (ERA) and up to 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA). It also features reduced system packaging with a flyable configuration and Ground Control System (GCS) in one case. Capable of landing in water or on land, the all-environment Puma 3 AE and Mantis i45 EO/IR sensor suite empower operators with extended flight time and a level of imaging capability never before available in the small UAS class.
AeroVironment’s portfolio of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems includes small footprint, runway-independent unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These solutions offer increased, multi-mission capabilities with the option of selecting the appropriate aircraft based on the type of mission to be performed. These capabilities have the potential to provide significant force protection and force multiplication benefits to small tactical units and security personnel, as well as greater safety, scalability and cost-savings to commercial operators. With the addition of the Crysalis™ next-generation ground control solution, command and control of compatible UAS and their payloads is streamlined through an intuitive user experience and battlefield communication and collaboration is improved by enabling users to easily share real-time information and coordinate mission-critical decisions. AeroVironment provides turnkey ISR and support services worldwide to ensure a consistently high level of mission success.
