Tactical Tailor

Posts Tagged ‘AeroVironment’

AeroVironment MacCready Works Donates Quantix Systems to West Point Military Academy to Support Its Robotics Research Center

Tuesday, August 28th, 2018

Automated, integrated and easy to use, the highly automated Quantix drone allows West Point cadets to focus on data analytics

Builds on AeroVironment’s ongoing collaboration with universities nationwide to support student development and product enhancement

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SIMI VALLEY, Calif. –  AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems for both defense and commercial applications, today announced its MacCready Works lab has donated automated Quantix™ hybrid drones, spare parts and AeroVironment’s Decision Support System (AV DSS™) analytics software to West Point to support the military academy’s Center for Innovation and Engineering and Geography and Environmental Engineering Department.

“MacCready Works is a focal point for AeroVironment’s continuous innovation, focusing on relentless problem solving and doing what has never been done before,” said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment.  “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with and support the prestigious West Point Military Academy as we work together to advance unique and innovative solutions using the Quantix system.”

West Point cadets will deploy two Quantix systems as part of the collaboration.  The Quantix system is a fully integrated drone, sensor and software information solution for collecting and using aerial imagery that is as easy to use as an app.

The drone’s robust hybrid VTOL technology allows Quantix to operate effectively in a variety of conditions so cadets can collect data and create actionable intelligence when and where they need to.

This donation is part of AeroVironment’s ongoing support for West Point cadets and the company’s commitment to supporting those who defend freedom.  The company also hosts West Point cadets as interns at AeroVironment’s California facilities and hopes to collaborate on future projects with West Point.

Further supporting American troops and first responders, AeroVironment offers a rebate on the purchase of a new Quantix and AVDSS ecosystem bundle to active and veteran United States military personnel and active and retired law enforcement and fire fighters and their immediate families. Visit https://www.avdroneanalytics.com/veterans-rebate/ to learn more.

No Federal endorsement implied.

Widget Wednesday – PTX RQ-11B Raven Austere Power Solutions

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018

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The AeroVironment RQ-11B Raven® is the most widely-used low-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) asset among US and Allied Forces today. On a single battery charge, the Raven® can typically fly up to 6.2 miles (10.0 km) at speeds of 28–60 mph (45–97 km/h). Now, thanks to the PTX SPM-622 Squad Power Manager and ABC-812 Adaptive Battery Charger, RQ-11B Raven® operators can unplug themselves from the wall socket charger, harvest / scavenge power from any available source, and keep flying for longer – anywhere.

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Drawing power from solar panels / blankets, vehicle power outlets, vehicle batteries, and military or commercial rechargeable batteries, Raven® operators are able to maintain full, constant operational capability in even the most undeveloped environments.

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And thanks to our ground-breaking smart cable technology, Raven® aircraft batteries can also be connected to the SPM-622 as a power source to run other essential equipment such as radios, GPS devices, tablets – or even medical equipment for casualty treatment. This not only helps units simplify logistics and reduce their battery burden, it could even save a life.

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The SPM-622 RQ-11B Raven® Austere Power Kit includes a Squad Power Manager, a flexible solar blanket, vehicle and battery power scavenging cables, and all connectors and accessories needed to charge the aircraft battery, Ground Control Station, and Toughbook® simultaneously.

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The ABC-812 RQ-11B Raven® Bulk-Charging Kit enables users to charge up to 8 Raven® aircraft batteries in dual battery adapters simultaneously.  Alternatively, users can charge 2 Raven® batteries and up to 6 other batteries as needed.  The ABC-812 also incorporates 4 USB ports for concurrently charging Smart Phones, Tablets and other end-user devices.

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Come see the PTX team at SOFIC next week at booth #2232 to learn more about the full range of PTX Power Management Solutions – or visit the website anytime at www.ptxnomad.com

AeroVironment Releases New Puma 3, Upgraded for Operation in More Challenging Radio Frequency Environments

Wednesday, March 28th, 2018

• Upgraded airframe now accommodates concurrent operation of i45 gimbaled sensor suite and signals intelligence (SIGINT) payloads

• Latest Digital Data Link (DDL) offers M1/M2/M5 and M3/M4/M6 frequency bands and AES-256 encryption

• Complete system of three air vehicles and two ground control stations now transportable in four portable cases

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., at AUSA Global Force Symposium, March 26, 2018 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for both defense and commercial applications, today announced at the AUSA Global Force Symposium (booth 1429) that the company is now taking orders for its new PumaTM 3 small unmanned aircraft system.

“We are in constant communication with our customers to ensure they have the most innovative and advanced small drones to successfully complete their missions.  As a result of their feedback, the new Puma 3 includes air vehicle upgrades for operation in even more rugged environments than before, improved ability to support advanced third-party payloads and software applications and reliability in challenging electronic warfare/cyber environments where interference is prevalent,” said David Sharpin, vice president of AeroVironment’s Tactical UAS business.

AeroVironment upgraded the Puma’s airframe to enable robust operation of its i45 EO/IR sensor suite with SIGINT payloads in harsh and demanding environments. In addition, the Puma 3 incorporates AeroVironment’s latest digital data link (DDL) with security upgrades to support operation in more challenging radio frequency (RF) environments, with M1/M2/M5 and M3/M4/M6 frequency bands and with AES-256 encryption.

Sharpin said that, as part of ongoing efforts to stay at the forefront of battery technology, AeroVironment is releasing a new Puma smart battery that is more efficient and includes safety enhancements.  AeroVironment also has optimized the portability of Puma from six transport cases to four, with a flyable configuration in a single transport case that features luggage-type handles.  All these upgrades are incorporated while maintaining Puma 3’s renowned all-environment capability.

As previously announced, AeroVironment also is developing an upgrade to the RQ-11B Raven, called Raven 3.  The upgraded Raven system will incorporate new camera technology into the i23 gimbaled sensor, similar to advancements made to Puma 3 and its i45 gimbal.  These upgrades are still in progress and more information on Raven 3 will be available at the AUSA Symposium in October.

AeroVironment Announces Joint Venture and Solar High-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft System Development Program

Thursday, January 4th, 2018

MONROVIA, Calif., Jan. 3, 2018 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for both defense and commercial applications, today announced the formation of a joint venture to develop solar-powered high-altitude long-endurance, or HALE, UAS for commercial operations. This category of UAS is also referred to as high-altitude pseudo-satellites, or HAPS. The joint venture will fund the development program up to a net maximum value of $65,011,481.

The joint venture, HAPSMobile, Inc., is a Japanese corporation that is 95 percent funded and owned by Japan-based telecommunications operator SoftBank Corp. and 5 percent funded and owned by AeroVironment, Inc. AeroVironment is committed to contribute $5 million in capital for its 5 percent ownership of the joint venture, and has an option to increase its ownership stake in HAPSMobile up to 19 percent at the same cost basis as its initial 5 percent purchase.

“This is a historic moment for AeroVironment. For many years, we have fully understood the incredible value high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft platforms could deliver to countless organizations and millions of people around the world through remote sensing and last mile, next generation IoT connectivity,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chief executive officer. “We were searching for the right strategic partner to pursue this very large global opportunity with us. Now we believe we are extremely well-positioned to build on the decades of successful development we have performed to translate our solar UAS innovations into long-term value through HAPSMobile, Inc. Our entire team is excited, and we look forward to transforming this strategic growth opportunity into reality.”

AeroVironment pioneered the concept of high-altitude solar-powered UAS in the 1980s, and developed and demonstrated multiple systems for NASA’s Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology, or ERAST program, in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In August 2001, the AeroVironment Helios prototype reached an altitude of 96,863 feet, setting the world-record for sustained horizontal flight by a winged aircraft. In 2002, the AeroVironment Pathfinder Plus prototype performed the world’s first UAS telecommunications demonstrations at 65,000 feet by providing high-definition television (HDTV) signals, third-generation (3G) mobile voice, video and data and high-speed internet connectivity. Multiple United States government agencies funded the development of the hybrid-electric Global Observer unmanned aircraft system from 2007 through 2011. Global Observer represents a solution for extended operation over high Northern and Southern latitudes during local winters, when the sun’s energy is insufficient to maintain continuous solar aircraft operation at high altitude.

SoftBank Corp. and AeroVironment, Inc. have agreed to license certain background intellectual properties to HAPSMobile, which will own the newly developed UAS intellectual property and possess exclusive rights for commercial applications globally, and non-commercial applications in Japan. AeroVironment will possess exclusive rights to the resulting intellectual property for certain non-commercial applications, except in Japan. AeroVironment will also possess exclusive rights to design and manufacture all such aircraft in the future for HAPSMobile, subject to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement.

For additional information, please see AeroVironment’s Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 3, 2018.

AeroVironment Enhances Its Family of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems with M1/M2/M5 Compatible Digital Data Link (DDL) Products

Tuesday, September 19th, 2017

QUANTICO, VA at Modern Day Marine, Sept. 19, 2017 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for both military and commercial applications, today announced that it has delivered M1/M2/M5-compatible Raven® and Puma™ AE unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to two DoD customers, with more orders and deliveries scheduled. In addition, the company will begin taking orders in December 2017 for M1/M2/M5-configured Wasp® AE micro air vehicles (MAV) for delivery in spring 2018.

“Integrating the new M1/M2/M5 radio frequencies into our family of small UAS gives our customers the ability to seamlessly and securely conform to the Department of Defense‘s new frequency spectrum allocation and proceed with certainty,” said David Sharpin, vice president of AeroVironment’s Tactical UAS Business Unit. “By combining all three frequency bands in the same transceiver module, we’ve made it easy for users to select the frequency band associated with the part of the world in which they are operating without having to swap any hardware.”

AeroVironment today also unveiled its new Pocket DDL™ AE, a rugged, all- environment, next generation, secure digital video and data receiver that also integrates the new M1/M2/M5 radio frequency spectrum. The all-environment design of AeroVironment’s new Pocket DDL AE makes it significantly more rugged than its predecessor by offering a fully waterproof package (immersible to three feet) that supports tactical operations in a wide range of environmental conditions and difficult urban terrain.

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Designed for simplicity and ease of use, the Pocket DDL AE facilitates rapid and secure access to a small UAS Digital Data Link (DDL) network. Each sleek unit has no exterior buttons or displays and is completely controlled through an App. Pocket DDL AE has a standard Glenair® Mighty-Mouse connector, making it compatible with the Army‘s Net Warrior system, so dedicated cables for Pocket DDL are not necessary. It can operate from any power supply, providing between 5 and 32 volts DC.

Pocket DDL AE implements an open-systems architecture, using a USB interface and XML messaging for control of the radio functions. This enables apps designed for special purposes, such as tactical operations, search and rescue, asset tracking, long- range communications, mission command, and targeting to use Pocket DDL AE to employ small UAS to help perform their tasks more effectively.

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“Combined with the M1/M2/M5 upgrade to our Pocket DDL AE, this provides greatly enhanced capability across our entire family of small UAS product line for improved tactical operations,” Sharpin said. “This example demonstrates our ongoing commitment to upgrade our Family of Systems products and provide new capabilities to our existing and new customers around the world.”

AeroVironment will announce additional upgrades to its market-leading Family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems during the Association of the Army’s Annual Meeting next month.

www.avinc.com

AeroVironment’s New Long-Range Tracking Antenna Significantly Extends Puma AE UAS Capabilities and Enhances Warfighter Safety

Wednesday, September 13th, 2017

LONDON, at DSEI, Sept. 12, 2017 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for both military and commercial applications, today announced the release of a new, long-range tracking antenna (LRTA) for its Puma™ AE unmanned aircraft system. The critical upgrade extends the range of Puma systems equipped with AeroVironment’s secure Digital Data Link (DDL™) technology to approximately 60 kilometers (37.28 miles), significantly boosting Puma AE’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and enhancing warfighter safety.

“The LRTA enables Puma AE operators to gather critical ISR data while positioned much farther from dangerous hostile fire,” said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment. “Importantly, this technology provides our customers with a UAS solution that can triple the range of existing Puma systems that use our standard omni-directional antenna.”

The antenna also features an automated tracking function (two-axis positioner) that ensures a secure and reliable link with the Puma air vehicle while it operates at extended range. When integrated with AeroVironment’s Mantis i45 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal sensor suite, this improved antenna gives Puma capabilities similar to larger and more costly Group 2 or higher UAS.

With M3/M4 DDL radio frequency capability, the new LRTA is compatible with a wide range of flight and ground assets that use those wavebands, including AeroVironment’s Pocket Digital Data Link (pDDL AE™) transceivers and Pocket RVT (pRVT™) video transceivers, which give users direct access to real-time video downlink images and geodata from any DDL-equipped platform.

Among other important features of the new LRTA, its rugged frame was designed for operation in the harshest conditions. It comes fully equipped with all the components needed for its operation. Plus, operation with the LRTA requires no modifications to Puma Systems compatible with M3/M4 DDL radios.

The new LRTA’s automated tracking function offers close range automatic antenna switching for omni-directional use. Additionally, the antenna is equipped with a self-contained uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for power conditioning.

Puma AE (All Environment) is a fully waterproof, small UAS designed for land and maritime operations. Capable of landing in water or on land, the Puma AE empowers the operator with unmatched operational flexibility in the small UAS class. Puma’s enhanced precision navigation system with secondary GPS provides optimal positional accuracy and reliability. Moreover, AeroVironment’s common ground control system (GCS) allows the operator to control the aircraft manually or program it for GPS-based autonomous navigation.

The LRTA for Puma AE systems is now available for ordering, with delivery scheduled for Spring of 2018.

www.avinc.com

AeroVironment, Developer of the Nano Hummingbird, Unveils Snipe, A New, Stealthy Nano Quadrotor UAS

Tuesday, May 9th, 2017

-Launched from the palm of a hand, Snipe™ is worn on operators’ clothing so it can spring into action immediately – first 20 systems delivered in April
-Difficult to detect, Snipe provides close-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)
-Simple to use and requires no assembly; operates in challenging and rugged environmental conditions
-Builds on breakthrough robotic Nano Hummingbird developed by AeroVironment for DARPA


DALLAS, at AUVSI XPONENTIAL, May 9, 2017 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for both military and commercial applications, today officially unveiled the new Snipe Nano Quad, a miniature (“Class 0”) and field-rugged unmanned aircraft system designed to support close-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The first U.S. government customer delivery of 20 Snipe systems took place in April.

“Snipe’s tiny size belies its impressive capabilities,” said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment. “It is quick, quiet, fast, durable and packed with advanced features critical to helping our customers succeed in close-range missions.”

“Snipe enables operators to spring into action quickly,” Flittie said. “No assembly is required for the five-ounce (140-gram) nano-UAS, which is designed to be worn by its operator so it can be deployed in less than a minute.”

Equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), low-light-capable and long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensors in an integrated tilt mechanism, Snipe can relay high-resolution images and record real-time video both day and night. In addition, Snipe’s integrated UHF radio provides for excellent non-line-of-sight operation. The software-defined radio (SDR) allows Snipe to be sold commercially.

With its quiet electric motors, flight speeds exceeding 20 mph and more than one-kilometer range, Snipe is difficult to detect in operating environments with even minimal ambient noise. Its rechargeable batteries power approximately 15 minutes of flight time. Despite its small size, the durable nano-UAS is capable of operating under challenging environmental conditions – including winds of 15+ mph with gusts up to 20 mph

“While Snipe’s stealthiness makes it ideally suited for military applications, it’s an invaluable asset for anyone needing a ‘Class 0’ UAS to support their missions,” Flittie said.

Snipe is controlled using an intuitive app on a standard, ruggedized (MIL-STD 810) touch screen controller with intuitive user interface and automated operation for ease of use. Other critical functions include Snipe’s ability to return to its operator automatically if it loses its radio link.

Snipe benefits from advances in nano unmanned technology achieved by the company in its development of the internationally recognized Nano Hummingbird. “The Nano Hummingbird, the world’s first unmanned aircraft capable of propulsion and control using two flapping wings, is an example of how our breakthrough innovation has spawned a valuable new capability in Snipe that now will help our customers proceed with certainty,” added Flittie.

AeroVironment’s Snipe Nano Quadrotor will be available to order Fall 2017. Operator training requires four hours only.

www.avinc.com

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence Awards AeroVironment Contract for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Upgrades Valued at $10.3 Million

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016
  • Includes upgrade of existing AeroVironment Raven B systems to digital data link and adoption of AeroVironment’s family of small UAS, including Puma AE and Wasp AE systems
  • Second contract from Dutch military for AeroVironment small UAS
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    MONROVIA, Calif., Oct. 31, 2016 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for both military and commercial applications, today announced the receipt of a contract from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence on October 14 for small UAS, upgrades and support services totaling $10,321,375. Delivery is anticipated within six months.

    The contract encompasses AeroVironment’s entire family of fixed wing small UAS and includes Digital Data Link (DDL) upgrades to the Dutch forces’ existing fleet of Raven® B systems, battle-proven Puma™ AE, Wasp® AE Micro Air Vehicle (MAV), and Ground Control Systems (GCS), as well as comprehensive support services.

    The Netherlands procured AeroVironment Raven systems for the first time in 2008. AeroVironment has provided support services to the Netherlands since 2008.

    “The Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) evaluated our extensive operational experience with the AeroVironment Raven system against competing systems available both domestically and internationally,” the DMO stated. “After careful deliberation and consideration of total value, DMO decided not only to upgrade our existing analog Raven systems with AeroVironment’s digital data link, but also to procure the complete AeroVironment family of fixed wing small UAS. This builds on our initial investment and equips our forces with the most capable and reliable small UAS in the world.”

    “There is no greater statement of confidence in our company and our products than when customers place follow-on orders with us,” said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment. “We are proud to provide the brave members of the Dutch armed forces with small UAS uniquely capable of helping them proceed with certainty, even in the most uncertain conditions.”

    About AeroVironment Small UAS

    RQ-11B Raven®, RQ-12 Wasp®, RQ-20A and B Puma™ and Shrike VTOL™ comprise AeroVironment’s Family of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Operating with a common ground control system (GCS), this Family of Systems provides increased capability to the warfighter that can give ground commanders the option of selecting the appropriate aircraft based on the type of mission to be performed. This increased capability has the potential to provide significant force protection and force multiplication benefits to small tactical units and security personnel. AeroVironment provides logistics services worldwide to ensure a consistently high level of operational readiness and provides mission services for customers requiring only the information its small UAS produce. AeroVironment has delivered tens of thousands of new and replacement small unmanned air vehicles to customers within the United States and to more than 30 international governments.

    About AeroVironment

    AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) provides customers with more actionable intelligence so they can proceed with certainty. Based in California, AeroVironment is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems, tactical missile systems and electric vehicle charging and test systems, and serves militaries, government agencies, businesses and consumers. For more information visit www.avinc.com.