The U.S. Army issued $13.8 million in incremental funding to AeroVironment for RQ-11B Raven unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
(Raven Gimbal. Photo, courtesy of AeroVironment.)
The funding is for continued performance of previous agreement, with a maximum value of $65.8 million. AeroVironement will provide miniature gimbaled payloads and initial spares packages for the 4.5-lb, hand-launched sensor UAS which provides “over the hill” reconnaissance in support of tactical units.
The company recently developed the Mantis suite of gimbaled payloads, which includes a daylight digital camera and an infrared thermal imaging camera for uninterrupted video imagery. Raven systems consist of three aircraft, two ground control stations and spares.
Delivery of the new systems is scheduled through July 25, 2013.
Related: Unmanned Systems