AeroVironment (AV), of Monrovia, Calif., received a $35.3 million contract delivery order for digital Puma All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), spares and training services. The equipment and services were procured under the existing USSOCOM All Environment Capable Variant (AECV) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. Work is scheduled to be performed within a period of several months.
"The battle-proven Puma system will now play an important new role helping troops operate more effectively and safely as they travel through dangerous territory,” said Tom Herring, senior vice president and general manager of AV’s UAS segment. “The Puma system is a portable, hand-launched UAS that will enhance soldier capabilities by producing aerial high quality color and infrared video of the surrounding area.”
Each Puma system consists of three air vehicles and two ground control systems. The air vehicle carries an integrated electro-optical and infrared gimbaled video camera, is designed for enhanced survivability in land and maritime environments, according to the company. The Puma air vehicle weighs 13 pounds, is battery powered and has a flight endurance of two hours.