AeroVironment, Inc. has received a $4 million firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract to provide Puma 3 AE and Wasp AE small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), initial spares packages, training and support to an allied nation. Delivery is anticipated by September 2022.
AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE UAV 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 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 Puma 3 AE and Mantis i45 Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite empower operators with extended flight time and a level of imaging capability never before available in the small UAV class.
Wasp AE is a lightweight, man-packable UAV that weighs just over a kilogram and delivers best-in-class capabilities for a UAV of its size, including stealthy maneuverability, superior imagery, encrypted video and 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.
“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,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAVs.
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