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AeroVironment Expands Puma™ Visual Navigation System (VNS) Kit to Puma LE

12/04/2025

Puma Visual Navigation SystemARLINGTON, Va. – December 4, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in all-domain defense systems, today announced the integration of its Visual Navigation System (VNS) kit with the Puma™ Long Endurance (LE) small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS), delivering Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)-denied navigation capability to ensure mission success.

First introduced in 2022 for the Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE, the VNS kit uses advanced computer vision and onboard processing to deliver precise, GNSS-independent navigation, and its integration into Puma LE now extends this capability across the full Puma family for greater flexibility and resilience in degraded or denied environments.

“Assured navigation is critical to the mission, especially as GNSS becomes an increasingly vulnerable resource,” said Jason Hendrix, Vice President of Small Uncrewed Systems for AV. “By fusing visual and inertial data in real time, the system enables uninterrupted flight paths, accurate geolocation, and mission continuity in unreliable GNSS regions.”

Using a suite of downward-facing sensors, cameras and onboard computing, the VNS kit performs Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) to capture and analyze terrain imagery, estimating true aircraft position in real time. The system fuses continuous visual data from the cameras with motion inputs from onboard inertial sensors to calculate precise position, velocity, and orientation—allowing the aircraft to know where it is and where it is going when GNSS is not available. It automatically transitions between GNSS-enabled and GNSS-denied modes with zero pilot input, ensuring uninterrupted mission continuity in contested environments.

In September, AV announced several upgrades to the Puma LE platform that include the integration of a Laser Target Designator and the release of the Universal Gimbal Kit, enhancements that evolve Puma LE beyond ISR into a cutting-edge precision-engagement system.

“Every upgrade to Puma LE, including the addition of the VNS kit and our new laser designator and gimbal capabilities, is driven by one goal: giving the warfighter greater confidence, flexibility, and capability,” said Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV. “These recent releases are a great example of AV constantly evolving our platforms to ensure they are at the forefront of technology and providing best in class capability to the warfighter.”

The VNS Kit is designed as an add-on option for new Puma 3 AE or Puma LE system orders and as a retrofit kit allowing existing Puma 2 AE, Puma 3 AE, and Puma LE customers to upgrade fielded systems. The compact two-piece add on installs easily into existing Pumas with minimal impact on performance and fits within the standard Puma cases for efficient mission packout. The standard Puma LE system weighs just 23.8 pounds and offers 6.5 hours of endurance, a 60-kilometer range, is inaudible at 500 feet and features tool-free payload swaps for seamless transitions between intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), targeting, and other mission sets.

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AeroVironment, Inc. to Present at Needham’s Annual Growth Conference

12/02/2025

ARLINGTON, Va., December 22, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) will participate in Needham’s upcoming Annual Growth Conference in New York City, New York. AV’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Kevin McDonnell, will take part in a fireside chat on January 14 at 10:15 a.m. ET | 9:15 a.m. CT | 7:15 a.m. PT. The fireside chat will be available by webcast at the times listed above and archived on our website at the below link:

https://wsw.com/webcast/needham148/avav/2255442

ABOUT AEROVIRONMENT, INC.  

AeroVironment (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT 

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

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AeroVironment Announces Expansion of AV_Halo™ Unified Software Platform with CORTEX and MENTOR

ARLINGTON, Va., December 02, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader delivering software-enabled disruptive autonomous systems, today announced the next phase of its AV_Halo™ unified mission software platform with the release of AV_Halo CORTEX, a next-generation intelligence fusion and analysis environment, and AV_Halo MENTOR, a warfighter readiness suite that spans immersive virtual and/or augmented reality (VR/AR) weapons training and mission rehearsal.

In September, AV launched AV_Halo, a hardware-agnostic platform that unifies multi-domain command and control (C2), AI-enhanced intelligence, synthetic training, and autonomous targeting into a single open-standards ecosystem. The addition of CORTEX and MENTOR advances that ecosystem, bringing deeper intelligence fusion, enhanced situational awareness, and more sophisticated operator preparedness into the same unified architecture.

“In today’s rapidly evolving operational environment, the advantage goes to those who can understand faster and prepare smarter,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “CORTEX and MENTOR extend AV_Halo’s role as the connective tissue across missions—fusing global information, AI-powered analytics, and immersive training into a single ecosystem that helps warfighters outpace threats, reduce risk, and make better decisions at mission speed.”

The addition of CORTEX and MENTOR marks the next step in AV_Halo’s roadmap, introducing two mission-critical capability sets that advance the platform’s ability to deliver faster understanding, smarter preparation, and decisive advantage across every domain – air, land, sea, space, and cyber.

AeroVironment Announces Expansion of AV_Halo™ Unified Software Platform with CORTEX and MENTOR

AV_Halo MENTOR: Warfighter Readiness Suite with Immersive Training and Mission Preparation Simulation — AV_Halo MENTOR, with its flagship Virtual Systems Trainer (VST) technology, offers operators immersive VR/AR weapons training system to build proficiency across Stinger, Javelin, Igla, and other mission-critical weapons systems. It delivers a full 360-degree virtual environment generated from real-world electro-optical and Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) within a simulation framework supporting multiple missions for both individual and team-based training. Integrated with AV’s simulation architecture, the system enables instructors to create custom scenarios, rehearse complex engagements, and conduct detailed after-action reviews that accelerate learning and reinforce readiness. Available as a fixed installation or a portable, rapidly deployable kit, MENTOR allows units to train at the same high standards anywhere, from home stations to forward environments.

AV_Halo CORTEX: AI-Driven Intelligence Fusion, OSINT Integration & Autonomous Analysis — AV_Halo CORTEX leverages AV’s mission-ready Scraawl technology, an AI-driven intelligence environment that fuses open source intelligence (OSINT), multi-source data, autonomous analysis, and real-time information into one operational picture. It collects and searches millions of global data points, including publicly available information (PAI) via news content, social media posts, shared imagery and video, and an array of sensor feeds. Integrated analytics across text, imagery, video, geospatial layers, and network relationships accelerate insight, while GeoPoint, AV’s proprietary geolocation engine, delivers metadata-independent geolocation using only visual cues. CORTEX also provides PAI-driven drone-threat detection for persistent awareness. With GPT-powered Insight Agents, analysts can query datasets conversationally, producing rapidly sourced intelligence that strengthens mission decisions. These intelligence markers can be shared seamlessly across AV_Halo and other third-party platforms for advanced situational awareness and action queuing.

“CORTEX can detect and characterize emerging drone patterns around critical infrastructure in minutes, a task that once took analysts hours. MENTOR enables air-defense teams to immediately rehearse engagements against those same threats inside a fully immersive environment,” said Scott Bowman, AV Chief Technology Officer & Vice President of Global Engineering. “Together, these products point to the future of mission software—tightly linked, increasingly autonomous intelligence and training that anticipate threats before they emerge.”

Looking ahead, AV will continue expanding AV_Halo with autonomous mission agents, advanced simulation environments, enhanced airspace deconfliction tools, and additional intelligence and C2 services, delivering synchronized autonomy, cross-domain coordination, and mission adaptability across tomorrow’s multi-domain battlespace.

AV_Halo follows the principles of the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), a design strategy mandated by the U.S. Department of War (DoW) to improve interoperability, agility, and sustainability in defense systems. As missions evolve, AV_Halo scales effortlessly, offering reliable solutions that adapt to emerging threats and operational demands so that operators can deploy exactly what is needed for any mission while minimizing cost. It seamlessly integrates across allied military and commercial systems, setting a new standard for interoperability in complex, multi-domain environments.

About AV

AV (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth and market adoption of new products; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

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AV Announces Collaboration with OpenJAUS for Autonomous Uncrewed System (Uxs) Interoperability

10/31/2025

AV Announces Collaboration with OpenJAUS for Autonomous Uncrewed System (Uxs) Interoperability

ARLINGTON, Va. — October 31, 2025 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader delivering software-enabled disruptive autonomous systems, today announced a collaboration with OpenJAUS, LLC., a leader in middleware software solutions for unmanned and robotic systems, to integrate the JAUS standard into AV_Halo™ Command, a first-of-its-kind cross-architecture software solution for controlling uncrewed systems (UxS).

The collaboration integrates AV_Halo Command’s modular software and suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) with the OpenJAUS software development kit (SDK), creating a unified, open-standards framework for rapid UxS and control system integration. The integration extends AV_Halo compatibility to seamlessly incorporate JAUS-compliant assets, allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate their platforms faster and more easily.

“The modern battlespace is defined by speed, complexity, and connectivity—and winning it demands seamless interoperability, not proprietary silos,” said Scott Bowman, Chief Technology Officer at AV. “Our collaboration with OpenJAUS reinforces AV’s leadership in open-architecture design and our commitment to the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). By breaking down barriers between platforms and accelerating multi-capability integrations, we’re ensuring the warfighter stays ahead in an increasingly complex, data-driven battlespace.”

By adding the OpenJAUS standard into AV_Halo Command, AV is providing a scalable, platform and sensor-agnostic command and control (C2) solution that enhances interoperability, reduces barriers between systems, accelerates capability integration, and empowers the warfighter with a faster, stronger, more flexible and unified mission-ready toolkit that includes new systems, new payloads, AI capabilities, and more input devices.

Through integration with AV’s Tomahawk™ Grip family of rugged ground control system (GCS) hardware controllers, AV_Halo Command provides a single “pane of glass” for viewing and controlling more than 25 uncrewed systems from over a dozen manufacturers at the tactical edge.

“OpenJAUS and industry collaborators are building a growing ecosystem of JAUS-based components for robotics and autonomous systems. Our collaboration with AV and their AV_Halo™ Command software brings a world-class control solution into this growing interoperability market,” said Tom Galluzzo, co-Founder at OpenJAUS.

“By unifying control across platforms and payloads, AV_Halo Command drastically reduces training time and complexity—allowing operators to focus on outcomes, not interfaces,” said Bowman. “It’s about giving the warfighter a common language for every system they touch, and ensuring every mission starts at full effectiveness.”

AV_Halo Command is currently integrated with systems from industry leaders, including Parrot, Teal, Ghost Robotics, Boston Dynamics, QinetiQ North America, Skydio, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, AV and DefendTex.

 

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AV Enhances Puma LE with Integrated Laser Target Designator and Universal Gimbal Kit for Precision Targeting and Effortless Multi-Mission Flexibility

09/30/2025

AV Enhances Puma LE with Integrated Laser Target Designator and Universal Gimbal Kit for Precision Targeting and Effortless Multi-Mission Flexibility

ARLINGTON, Va., September 30, 2025 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced the launch of capability enhancements for its Puma™ LE small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS): an integrated Laser Target Designator payload and Universal Gimbal Kit enabling rapid, field-swappable payload configurations. The new Laser Target Designator Kit transforms the Puma LE into a cutting-edge precision targeting platform while the Universal Gimbal Kit further enhances operational flexibility by allowing operators to rapidly integrate a variety of gimballed payloads.

With these upgrades, Puma LE evolves beyond intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to support multi-mission operations—delivering unmatched portability, modular adaptability, and precision targeting in a compact Group 2 UAS platform

“With a laser target designator now integrated into the Puma LE, we are delivering a significant tactical advantage,” said Trace Stevenson, president of Autonomous Systems at AV. “Operators can now seamlessly transition from reconnaissance to precision target designation using the same lightweight, man-portable system – a capability previously reserved for larger, more complex platforms.”

Featuring Trillium Engineering’s HD59 Laser Target Designator payload, this advanced lightweight electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) gimbal system delivers unmatched capability in the 2kg payload class. The system integrates a 50mj STANAG 3733-compliant laser designator, an EO camera, mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensor, long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor with See Spot, allowing for long range identification and prosecution of targets during day and night. These features give small units the ability to independently identify and designate targets, dramatically accelerating find-fix-finish timelines and enhancing mission autonomy.

“We are proud to partner with AV on the integration of our HD59 Laser Designator payload for the Puma LE,” said Matt Carreon, Vice President of Business Development at Trillium Engineering. “This collaboration brings a powerful, lightweight, multi-sensor EO/IR gimbal system to the field, enabling precision laser designation, something previously confined to larger platforms. The lightweight and versatile design of our payload, combined with Puma LE’s unmatched portability, will empower tactical teams to identify and designate targets, dramatically enhancing their operational independence and effectiveness.”

The Universal Gimbal Kit further enhances operational flexibility by allowing operators to rapidly integrate a variety of payloads – including advanced EO/IR gimbals, laser designators, and other specialized gimbal sensors – directly onto the Puma LE airframe in the field without depot-level support.

“Battlefields are dynamic, and mission requirements can change within minutes,” said Jason Hendrix, vice president and general manager of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems at AV. “The Universal Gimbal Kit ensures Puma LE remains mission-relevant by enabling payload reconfiguration in minutes, empowering forces to deploy the right sensor for any tactical need.”

Puma LE is a rugged, ultra-lightweight Group 2 aircraft suitable for operations in the harshest environments. With the Trillium HD59 payload, it provides over 3.5 hours of flight endurance to enable dynamic, multi-domain missions – perfect for dismounted troops, special operations forces, and militaries worldwide.

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Army Accelerates Long Range Reconnaissance UAS Capability

08/21/2025

The Army recently awarded contracts to AeroVironment and Edge Autonomy to rapidly deliver initial Long-Range Reconnaissance (LRR) systems. The AeroVironment P550 and Edge Autonomy Stalker Block 35X are Group 2 UAS designed to provide Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) organic to maneuver battalions. Capabilities include an open systems architecture, allowing quick integration of additional capabilities to meet ground commanders’ mission requirements, primarily at the Battalion level.

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Heinrich Tours AV Manufacturing Facility, Receives Demo of Badger Satellite Communications System

08/11/2025

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, toured AV’s space operations manufacturing facility and received a demonstration of their next generation BADGER satellite communications system, which will expand and modernize the nation’s satellite operations capability, strengthen national security, and further solidify New Mexico’s role as a global hub for defense and space innovation.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) speaking at the AV space operations manufacturing facility, August 8th, 2025

 

 

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Ready for Orbit: BlueHalo Announces Breakthrough in Long-Haul Laser Communication Capabilities

03/20/2025

Albuquerque, NM – BlueHalo, the company transforming the future of global defense through mission-critical innovation in the space domain, today announced the successful milestone demonstration of its two-terminal long-haul, multi-orbit laser communication system. The achievement marks a significant breakthrough in the development of space-based laser communication technology with far-reaching implications for national security and commercial sectors.

During the demonstration, two laser communication optical terminals completed pointing, acquisition, and tracking sequences at transmit power levels supporting multi-orbit, space-to-space satellite crosslink amidst simulated challenges experienced in space environments, including jitter, extreme temperatures, and lack of atmosphere.

The demonstration’s success highlights new capabilities for transferring high bandwidth data in space – enabling the secure exchange of more data at a faster rate across further distances, including LEO, MEO, GEO orbits and beyond. With the successful prototype demonstration in an operational environment, BlueHalo has matured its optical communication terminals to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team, whose dedication to the mission has led to this milestone – developing a space-based laser communication capability that is orders of magnitude greater than existing technology on orbit today,” said Mary Clum, President of the Product & Space Systems Portfolio. “With the technology validated, BlueHalo is ready to begin quickly producing these advanced optical terminals for deployment on satellites across all echelons of space. It’s an urgent need to enhance our nation’s security posture – in space and on the ground – and support the rapidly accelerating demand for rapid transport of high-bandwidth, mission-critical data. We’re ready.”

BlueHalo’s laser communication terminals are suitable for both national security operations and commercial satellite bus providers, offering a longer range, greater accuracy, and higher reliability for free-space optical communications. The capability builds upon and advances systems previously developed and deployed by BlueHalo, many of which remain on orbit today.

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About BlueHalo

BlueHalo is purpose-built to provide industry-leading capabilities in the areas of Space, C-UAS and Autonomous Systems, Electronic Warfare & Cyber, and AI/ML. The company develops and brings to market next-generation capabilities to support customers’ critical missions and national security. Learn more at http://www.bluehalo.com and follow BlueHalo on LinkedIn.

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BlueHalo Conducts Successful Test Launch of FE-1 Next-Gen C-UAS Missile

03/13/2025

ARLINGTON, VA — BlueHalo, the company transforming the future of global defense with actively deployed and operationally proven Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) solutions, announced today the successful live fire demonstration of its Next-Generation C-UAS Missile (NGCM)–Freedom Eagle-1 (FE-1), addressing the critical need for munitions industrial base expansion to meet the rapidly evolving advanced aerial threats.

“In light of recent global events, including activities in Europe, the Red Sea and Taiwan, we’re taking a proactive stance–increasing internal investments to advance our FE-1 system and leaning in to meet the demand signal on an expedited timeline,” said Jonathan Moneymaker, BlueHalo Chief Executive Officer. “Our investments and development progress, including this successful CTV test launch, underscore BlueHalo’s dedication to addressing evolving threats and ensuring that warfighters have access to critical capabilities sooner rather than later.”

During the first Controlled Test Vehicle (CTV) live fire demonstration held in January at Yuma Proving Ground, Team BlueHalo conducted three missile test flights. In each of the three tests, FE-1 launched successfully and performed its flight as planned, affirming BlueHalo’s commitment to a rapid development schedule. The team collected video, system and sensor data logs, radar tracks, and RF diagnostics data from each flight test to evaluate the missile’s guidance, navigation, and control systems and analyze aerodynamic models to drive down significant technical risk associated with the program.

“Going three for three on the first ever launch during the development of a new kinetic missile program is an astounding engineering feat and a testament to our team’s incredible dedication and expertise,” said James Batt, BlueHalo Chief Growth Officer. “FE-1 is a superior solution to address critical gaps in our nation’s C-UAS and air defense arsenal. We are thrilled to get it one step closer to the frontlines, where it will protect our warfighters and ensure mission success.”

The recent demonstration is the latest in a string of FE-1 milestones, highlighting its rapid development timeline:

Last June, BlueHalo announced its selection as one of two vendors chosen to continue development of the NGCM by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (CCDC AvMC) Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium® (AMTC).

In August, the company announced the completion of multiple rounds of testing for the FE-1, including the successful firing of its dual-thrust, solid rocket motor.

In December, BlueHalo successfully completed warhead detonation testing, which collected impact data against simulated targets. Test data included penetration depths, velocities, impacts, and panel frag patterns, which will be used to confirm FE-1’s lethality predictions and support continued warhead development.

“While competitors in the NGCM program remain focused on conceptual presentations, BlueHalo is actively building and testing flight hardware,” said Batt. ” Team BlueHalo went from paper design to first flight in 107 days, demonstrating incredible innovation and a commitment to the NGCM program. This success not only indicates our readiness but also significantly reduces the technical and schedule risks associated with the NGCM program.”

BlueHalo’s continued investment and acceleration in the development of FE-1–with a planned customer live-fire demonstration in 3Q 2025–is in response to legislative affirmation to this capability is a priority of growing importance. In the recently passed FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  FE-1 is a critical response to the evolving UAS threat landscape. Supported by Congressional oversight, significant budgetary allocations, and the recognition of current system limitations, it addresses the need for enhanced range, lethality, and adaptability. This missile ensures a layered, cost-effective defense strategy, protecting national security interests against increasingly sophisticated drone threats.

“It’s clear that the new administration wants middle-tier acquisition going faster and fielding technology quicker,” said Moneymaker. “Additionally, Congress is supportive of additional effectors to get longer range, at higher altitudes, against a threat that is evolving faster than we can keep pace with current systems. We’re moving at the speed necessary to meet the need, even if it requires our own internal funding to make it happen.”

BlueHalo’s FE-1 is designed to counter larger UAS (Group 3 and above) with enhanced maneuverability, range, and rapid launch capabilities. This addresses the limitations of current systems, which cannot effectively engage advanced, larger drones.  It rapidly and affordably enhances warfighter lethality, survivability, and combat effectiveness, providing an agile and disruptive new technology to the munition industrial base and expanding national security air defense capabilities.

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About BlueHalo

BlueHalo is purpose-built to provide industry-leading capabilities in the areas of Space, C-UAS and Autonomous Systems, Electronic Warfare & Cyber, and AI/ML. The company develops and brings to market next-generation capabilities to support customers’ critical missions and national security. Learn more at http://www.bluehalo.com and follow BlueHalo on LinkedIn.

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AeroVironment introduces customizable AI UAV to the battlefield: Weapon of the Week

12/11/2024

AeroVironment, a leading defense contractor based in Virginia, had a bustling 2024. Known for designing and producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the company saw significant milestones this year.

In May, AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600 loitering munition system was selected for Tranche 1 of the Department of Defense’s Replicator Initiative. By June, these systems were already deployed and in the hands of American troops.

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NASA and Partners Scaling to New Heights in Air Traffic Management

10/18/2024

NASA and partners from Aerostar and AeroVironment discuss a simulation of a high-altitude air traffic management system in the Airspace Operations Lab at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. NASA / Don Richey

NASA, in partnership with AeroVironment and Aerostar, recently demonstrated a first-of-its-kind air traffic management concept that could pave the way for aircraft to safely operate at higher altitudes.

This work seeks to open the door for increased internet coverage, improved disaster response, expanded scientific missions, and even supersonic flight. The concept is referred to as an Upper-Class E traffic management, or ETM.

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Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo Successfully Demonstrate New Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker, Shooting Down Drones in Live-Fire Engagement

10/14/2024

ARLINGTON, VA — Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) and BlueHalo announced today the successful live-fire demonstration of a new Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Directed Energy (DE) Stryker designed to defeat Group 1-3 UAS with multiple kinetic and non-kinetic defeat technologies.

During last month’s demonstration for U.S. Army officials in Socorro, N.M., the mobile C-UAS capability successfully destroyed numerous drones using BlueHalo’s 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System.  Additionally, the demonstration included near-simultaneous C-UAS and ground engagements with the laser and a 30mm remote weapon station (RWS).  The C-UAS DE Stryker successfully destroyed every drone over the two-day demonstration.

Leonardo DRS has deep experience in developing, integrating, and fielding mobile air defense and C-UAS solutions for the U.S. Army. The demonstration is the latest step in a process that started with the company identifying the need for a directed energy multi-layered mobile C-UAS system built around best-of-breed technologies from strong partners.

“In just eight months, Leonardo DRS and our outstanding industry partners designed, built, and tested this Stryker-based Directed Energy Counter-UAS prototype.  We were able to move quickly by leveraging DRS’s proven experience building a cohesive team of partners to rapidly deliver air defense capabilities to the Army,” said Aaron Hankins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Land Systems.  “Our C-UAS Directed Energy Stryker is a future capability available to warfighters today, and we’re excited to display it during the 2024 AUSA Annual meeting.”

The Stryker includes two primary kinetic effectors – EOS Defense Systems’ USA R400 30mm RWS with Northrop Grumman’s XM914 cannon and BAE Systems’ 2.75” Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System fired from an Arnold Defense launcher.  The on-board radar is DRS’ RPS-92 nMHR which provides long-range detection, continuous tracking, and weapon system cueing.   As the lead vehicle integrator, DRS Land Systems worked across the coalition to integrate their “best-of-breed” technologies.

Non-kinetic effectors include BlueHalo’s LOCUST LWS, which is stored inside the Stryker and deployed when a threat is detected. The 26-kilowatt LWS combines precision optical and laser hardware with advanced software and processing to enable and enhance the directed energy “kill chain”.  It tracks, identifies, and defeats Group 1-3 UAS and other threats.  In addition to the LOCUST LWS, the Stryker employs BlueHalo’s Titan C-UAS™ and Titan-SV non-kinetic technologies, delivering comprehensive 360° surveillance and threat detection and mitigation of Group 1 and 2 drone threats.

“BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System is operationally deployed, proven, and trusted. Its modularity and ease of integration across platforms makes it a great fit for the Stryker armored vehicle,” said Mary Clum, BlueHalo Portfolio President and Corporate Executive Vice President. “BlueHalo is thrilled to lean forward with our partners at Leonardo DRS and the incredible coalition of industry leaders that has come together. Our unique combination of operational know-how and innovation has enabled us to rapidly develop a critical capability that directly addresses the challenges our warfighters are facing daily in contested environments. We are excited to share this progress with customers and roll these systems out to the frontlines in support of our nation’s most critical missions.”

The C-UAS DE Stryker provides soldiers with the mobility, firepower, and protection required to maneuver, fight, and survive at the tactical level in contested environments. The Stryker has enhanced lethality to defeat ground and air threats, and it is fully integrated with the US Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) network, ensuring it is interoperable with other Air Defense systems.

The new C-UAS DE Stryker brings together best-of-breed technologies from a coalition of industry partners. In addition to Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo, the coalition includes EOS Defense Systems USA, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Digital Systems Engineering, Arnold Defense, and AMPEX.

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About Leonardo DRS

Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.

About BlueHalo

BlueHalo is purpose-built to provide industry-leading capabilities in the areas of Space, C-UAS and Autonomous Systems, Electronic Warfare & Cyber, and AI/ML. The company develops and brings to market next-generation capabilities to support customers’ critical missions and national security. Learn more at http://www.bluehalo.com and follow BlueHalo on LinkedIn.

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