Category: Press Release

Press Release

AV Successfully Flight Tests New Solar-Powered Aircraft, Redefines Stratospheric Payload Capabilities

10/01/2024

AV Successfully Flight Tests New Solar-Powered Aircraft, Redefines Stratospheric Payload Capabilities

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct 1, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) flight-tested an upgraded Sunglider™, enhancing its High-Altitude Platform-Station (HAPS) capabilities for commercial and government markets. The result is Horus™ A, the new version of Sunglider for government applications. Horus A is a solar-powered UAS capable of carrying up to 150 lb of payload with 1.5 kW of available power, offering industry-leading stratospheric performance.

Horus A features enhancements in all areas of the aircraft design, avionics, and offers unique features such as additional autonomy to increase mission flexibility and multiple redundant systems for mission assurance. Horus A received airworthiness approval from the U.S. Army and an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate to allow flight testing in the national airspace. These enhancements flow back into the continued development of Sunglider with SoftBank as both companies strive to deliver unrivaled payload capacity and persistence to unlock the full potential of both stratospheric flight and the latest, most capable payloads.

“During this recent Horus A flight, we demonstrated the ability to carry multiple payloads for the U.S. DoD and transmit real-time data, advancing the viability of HAPS for government applications,” said Jeff Rodrian, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of MacCready Works. “This flight marks another milestone in our stratospheric platform’s progress. It underscores AV’s leadership in developing solar-powered, high-altitude systems with significant potential for commercial and government applications.”

Continuing AV’s tradition of industry-defining firsts, Horus A simultaneously operated a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Tactical Grade Mesh Network radio during the mission portion of the flight. Covering the majority of the flight test points, AV was able to validate multiple new and redundant systems, payload interoperability and performance enhancements. AV also demonstrated the ability to effectively maneuver in adverse and turbulent weather, landing safely, ready to return to the Stratosphere for future longer-duration missions. Horus A’s satellite-based BLOS radio and robust avionics and datalink suite will enable this platform to fill critical defense capability gaps such as resilient communications and network extension, Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT), Space Domain Awareness, long-endurance ISR, and deep sensing. Many of these capabilities can enable swarms of smaller uncrewed systems like Switchblade® 600 to be most effective on the battlefield.

After this recent stratospheric flight, which was supported by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering, and the Rapid Prototyping Programs, AV will continue aggressively progressing Horus A towards operational employment. Through continued partnership with SoftBank, the company aims to offer a robust connectivity solution in the world of 5G and beyond with Sunglider.

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Archana Nirwan Joins AV as Chief People Officer

09/11/2024

Archana NirwanARLINGTON, Va., September 11, 2024 – Archana Nirwan has joined AV as Chief People Officer. In alignment with the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to fostering innovation, Nirwan will lead AV’s global People & Culture strategy, overseeing all aspects of talent management, organizational development, and human resources operations. She will be based at AV’s Simi Valley, California campus.

“Archana’s global HR expertise and proven leadership in talent management will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our people strategy,” said AV’s chairman, president and CEO, Wahid Nawabi. “Her ability to cultivate high-performing teams across diverse industries, coupled with her passion for innovation, makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team. We are excited to welcome her aboard.”

Nirwan’s career includes senior HR roles at Cambium Networks, Qualcomm, Fidelity Investments, and Cadence Design Systems. With over 20 years of global experience, she has led HR transformations, talent retention strategies, and cultural initiatives across high-tech and financial sectors. Her expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, workforce planning, organizational design, and building a “best-in-class” employee experience.

“I’m excited to join AV and contribute to the company’s strong foundation of innovation and talent,” said Nirwan. “AV has already built an impressive culture and people strategy. My goal is to refine and elevate that further, ensuring we continue to empower our teams to drive the company’s success.”

Archana Nirwan’s appointment reflects AV’s focus on fostering a dynamic work environment, supporting its mission to deliver innovative solutions to its global customers.

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AV Secures $990M Contract to Supply U.S. Army with Switchblade Loitering Munitions

08/28/2024

Switchblade Launch

ARLINGTON, Va., August 28, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) has been awarded a contract for the U.S. Army’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). The 5-year contract from Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground is Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a contract ceiling value of $990M. Deliveries of the Switchblade® systems are expected to begin in months.

The LUS Directed Requirement is the Army’s first effort to equip soldiers in infantry battalions with lethal, man-portable loitering munition systems. The combat-proven Switchblade systems will enhance soldiers’ capabilities with precision flight control, greater lethality against fortified targets such as armored vehicles and tanks, and the ability to track and engage moving non-line-of-sight targets. AV was awarded a contract for the LUS Directed Requirement in December 2023 and is currently delivering systems under that contract.

“AV is proud to have been selected to provide Switchblade for this critical and urgent Army requirement,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Loitering Munition Systems. “This latest contract underscores the unmatched maturity and effectiveness of our system, as well as AV’s strategic positioning to rapidly produce and deliver these cutting-edge solutions to operators in the field.”

Switchblade represents the next generation of extended-range loitering munition systems, providing operators in the field with a multi-mission loitering munition system capable of multi-domain operations. The combat-proven system also features high-precision optics and extended loitering endurance.

“Starting with the LUS Directed Requirement, we are well positioned to meet the Army’s emerging needs, leveraging our robust production capability and supply chain capacity to ensure rapid fielding and enhanced combat overmatch for our soldiers,” continued Hush.

This contract further solidifies AV’s role as a leading provider of innovative unmanned solutions. The company remains committed to supporting the U.S. Army’s mission by delivering advanced technology that ensures operational superiority and enhances the safety and effectiveness of our military personnel.

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AV Introduces New Washington Operations Team

07/22/2024

AV Introduces New Washington Operations Team

AeroVironment Strengthens Washington D.C. Presence with New Government Relations Team

ARLINGTON, Va., July 22, 2024 – In line with AeroVironment’s (AV) continuous growth trajectory, the company is bolstering its presence at its global headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, by establishing a robust government relations team. Led by Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Church Hutton, the new team comprises seasoned professionals Rachel Lipsey, Bill Pennington, Chris Meyers and Rocky Checca.

“AV has been a cutting-edge company for over 50 years and is trusted by the national security enterprise to deliver innovative solutions and advanced technologies for critical missions and rapidly evolving demands. Our exponential growth and expanding influence are a testament to our innovation and reliability,” said Hutton. “We are reinforcing this momentum by investing in a stellar team capable of effectively broadening AV’s reach within the executive branch and on Capitol Hill. Our newly formed team has decades of combined experience in service to our country, both in uniform and within our government, and they bring a deep understanding of the national security landscape and today’s complex global threat matrix.”

Rachel Lipsey, Senior Director for Washington Operations overseeing congressional affairs, joined AV from The Boeing Company, where she led congressional engagement and strategic advocacy on defense acquisition. Prior to her tenure at Boeing, Lipsey held staff positions in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and state government, advising on defense policy and national security matters.

Bill Pennington, also a Senior Director for Washington Operations focusing on congressional affairs, has extensive experience with federal appropriations and congressional relations. Pennington held a variety of increasingly prominent roles in the U.S. Navy before joining AV, including commanding aviation units at the squadron and wing levels. He most recently served as the Director of the Navy and Marine Corps Congressional Appropriations Matters Office, bringing vast expertise in defense resourcing and requirements.

Chris Meyers, Senior Director for Washington Operations, works with the Executive Branch in support of domestic business development. Before joining AV, Meyers served as the Director of Business Development for government programs at CesiumAstro. His distinguished military career in the Marine Corps saw him command units at all levels within the armor community, retiring as a Colonel. Meyers also served as a Congressional Fellow, Legislative Liaison, Budget Programmer, and Director of the Marine Liaison Office to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rounding out the team is Rocky Checca, Director for Washington Operations, who works closely with the Legislative and Executive branches, foreign embassies, industry associations, and think tanks in support of AV’s international affairs. Checca retired from the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel and served as a Presidential helicopter pilot in Marine Helicopter Squadron One. He conducted deployments to Iraq in direct support of combat operations. He also served as a Congressional Defense Fellow for Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) and Deputy Director of the Marine Liaison Office to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Leading the team is Church Hutton, who joined AV in December 2023 and oversees the company’s strategic engagement with the Department of Defense (DoD) and Congress. “Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to AV and has already hit the ground running on increasing and enhancing awareness of AV with our government customers and elected officials,” continued Hutton.

This strategic investment reinforces AV’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in the uncrewed systems defense sector and ensures the company’s innovative contributions to national security are effectively communicated to all stakeholders.

 

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Taiwan to Receive AV’s Switchblade 300 Loitering Munition Systems

07/02/2024

Taiwan to Receive AV’s Switchblade 300 Loitering Munition Systems

ARLINGTON, Va., July 2, 2024 – The U.S. Department of State announced approval of a possible foreign military sale of AeroVironment (AV) Switchblade® 300 loitering munition systems to Taiwan for an estimated $60.2 million. The proposed sale will bolster Taiwan’s defensive capabilities and supports U.S. national security and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

AV’s combat-proven Switchblade 300 systems have been deployed by the U.S. Army for more than a decade and are currently providing real-time ISR and precision strike support on battlefields in Ukraine. Ideal for use against beyond-line-of-sight targets, Switchblade systems were previously approved by the U.S. Government for use by Ukraine, France, the United Kingdom and additional allies after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The latest iteration of the system – Switchblade 300 Block 20 – features alternative warheads, including an armor penetrating capability, increased target attack angle, and significantly greater battery life, flight endurance, and radio link range.

“Switchblade 300 continues to be a critical weapon employed by the U.S. and its allies to defend homelands and operational forces against adversaries,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager for Loitering Munition Systems. “We have proven in steady combat against modern enemies that Switchblade 300 provides forces a competitive edge on the battlefield, introducing precise, long-range fires well beyond their current capabilities.”

The backpackable, lightweight Switchblade 300 offers operators the flexibility to rapidly maneuver on the ground, in and out of vehicles, or within fixed defensive positions prior to launch. Real-time video, GPS coordinates, selectable warheads, and wave-off capabilities provide the operator a proven, reliable asset that can be employed in various domains.

“AV looks forward to supporting the U.S. and Taiwan in rapidly fielding these highly effective weapon systems to deter aggression, defend the airspace and waters around Taiwan, and assist in maintaining political stability,” continued Hush.

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AV Successfully Flight Tests JUMP 20 VTOL UAS with a Heavy Fuel Engine

06/18/2024

AV Successfully Flight Tests JUMP 20 VTOL UAS with a Heavy Fuel Engine

Heavy fuel engine provides JUMP 20 with greater performance, efficient fuel consumption and longer operational lifespan

ARLINGTON, Va., June 18, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) successfully demonstrated its JUMP® 20 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) with a heavy fuel engine. The higher horsepower and lower fuel burn rate provided by the heavy fuel engine expands the capabilities of AV’s proven JUMP 20 platform. Integration of the heavy fuel engine further establishes the JUMP 20 as a multi-domain multi-mission UAS capable of autonomously operating in challenging conditions.

“The addition of a heavy fuel engine to the JUMP 20 provides global forces an unparalleled VTOL solution with a longer operational lifespan, greater performance and efficient fuel consumption. It is well suited for land and sea domains where available fuel sources could be dictated by the respective logistics support plan,” said Shane Hastings, AV’s vice president and general manager of Medium UAS. “Heavy fuel compatibility continues to be a strong requirement for many customers, and we’ve made great strides in making our proven JUMP 20 fully compliant with these requirements.”

AV’s JUMP 20 is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), fixed-wing UAS with 13+ hours of endurance and an operational range of 185 km (115 mi). The 15 hp engine is purpose-built for uncrewed systems and capable of running on multiple fuels and gasoline. With over 15 hp output, the high endurance, minimal fuel burn engine also requires less frequent maintenance cycles and overhauls. It is lighter than traditional gasoline engines and has an auto-start capability that delivers customers a simplified UAS requiring less operator engagement to operate and sustain.

“With successful test flights under our belt, AV is excited to continue system testing and further optimizing JUMP 20 with heavy fuel capabilities. This milestone further demonstrates AV’s ability to deliver highly mature and reliable systems capable of working in the most extreme environmental conditions,” continued Hastings.

 

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AV to Develop its Wildcat Autonomous VTOL UAS for DARPA’s ANCILLARY Program

05/28/2024

AV to Develop its Wildcat Autonomous VTOL UAS for DARPA’s ANCILLARY Program

ARLINGTON, Va., May 28, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) was down selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for continued development of its X-Plane design for the agency’s AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) program. AV’s offering – Wildcat – is a Group 3 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) developed specifically to execute ship-based operations in challenging maritime environments.

“We have prioritized controllability to ensure Wildcat meets the ‘anytime, anywhere’ goal of DARPA’s ANCILLARY program,” said AV’s Vice President of MacCready Works Chris Fisher. “Wildcat leans on autonomy to reduce operational burdens while enabling safe, infrastructure-less launch and recovery in challenging conditions from a range of Navy ships.”

Wildcat leverages AV’s SPOTR-Edge machine learning-enabled computer vision to enhance mission effectiveness. This capability builds on operational learnings AV has gained as a leader in the Group 1 to 3 UAS space with millions of operational flight hours on its Raven®, Puma™ AE, and JUMP® 20 uncrewed systems.

ANCILLARY calls for the development of a low-weight, large-payload, long-endurance VTOL UAS for missions executed by the U.S. Navy and Marines. AV’s Wildcat pushes beyond current Group 3 UAS offerings and provides expanded mission capabilities to address and overcome evolving threat landscapes.

Designed specifically for the ANCILLARY program, Wildcat meets DARPA’s objectives for a 450 nautical mile (nmi) mission radius and over 12 hours of endurance on station with 60 lbs of payload. Additionally, Wildcat exceeds program objectives for sea state recovery and cruise speed, with the ability to operate in high sea states and winds, and dash over 100 knots to quickly cover long distances over sea or land.

Wildcat’s large modular payload capacity will enhance mission responsiveness and flexibility, and its tail-sitter design requires fractional infrastructure and footprint compared to other offerings. It is designed to operate as part of a larger fleet of Wildcat UAS that leverage collision-avoidance and autonomy to deconflict airspace and collaborate to perform search missions in degraded or denied airspace.

“Our solutions are specifically crafted for the operator and Wildcat is no exception. AV has a strong history of seamlessly integrating our systems into a soldier’s daily operations and we look forward to further developing this design in partnership with DARPA and the Office of Naval Research for the ANCILLARY program,” continued Fisher.

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AV’s Switchblade 600 Selected for Tranche 1 of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Replicator Initiative

05/07/2024

AV’s Switchblade 600 Selected for Tranche 1 of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Replicator Initiative

ARLINGTON, Va., May 7, 2024 – AeroVironment’s (AV) Switchblade 600 loitering munition system has been selected for Tranche 1 of the first iteration of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Replicator initiative. AV’s Switchblade 600 is a man-portable, extended-range loitering munition system equipped with an anti-armor warhead for engaging larger, hardened targets at greater distances. The first iteration of the Replicator initiative aims to accelerate all-domain, attritable autonomous systems to warfighters at speed and scale.

The first iteration of the Replicator initiative will field thousands of autonomous systems across multiple domains within the next 18-24 months, as part of the Pentagon’s strategy to counter peer adversaries’ rapid military buildup. The initiative will prioritize the fielding of attritable capabilities — affordable uncrewed platforms that allow commanders to tolerate a higher degree of risk in employing these “force multiplying” systems.
“Switchblade 600 is a battle-proven system in full-rate production that can support the DoD’s desire to field thousands of autonomous systems across multiple warfighting domains,” said AV’s SVP of Loitering Munition Systems, Brett Hush.

Equipped with advanced sensors and precision flight control, Switchblade 600 is capable of quick and easy deployment via tube launch and can fly, track and engage non-line of sight targets. Switchblade 600’s patented wave-off and recommit capability allows operators to abort the mission and re-engage as the mission requires.

“Our uncrewed systems, autonomy technology and computer vision software can help achieve multidomain operations in a heavily contested battlespace, at very low costs and high levels of resiliency,” continued Hush. “We have not only invested in the maturation of such disruptive technologies but also the production capability and capacity to produce large volumes at the level of reliability that the U.S. DoD expects.”

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AV Unveils New AI Capability and Autonomy Kit for Unmanned Systems

04/23/2024

AV Unveils New AI Capability and Autonomy Kit for Unmanned Systems

AV’s Autonomy Retrofit Kit (ARK) and AVACORE software deliver a suite of new single or multi-agent mission capabilities to autonomous systems

ARLINGTON, Va., April 23, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) has introduced its Autonomy Retrofit Kit (ARK) and AVACORE software demonstrating the company’s commitment to advancing autonomy and machine learning capabilities to increase effectiveness of autonomous systems and reduce operator burdens. ARK and AVACORE bring AV’s accelerated autonomy to fielded assets such as Puma™ 3 AE and Puma™ LE, in addition to future autonomous systems.

ARK is a quick-connect payload introducing a new suite of intelligent mission capabilities for Group 1+ unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Providing edge computing for mission-critical applications, ARK enables operators to task a single or multi-vehicle team with mission objectives for fully autonomous execution while operating in communications-contested environments. ARK also intelligently integrates with distributed groups of dismounted units in a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) using the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK).

AVACORE is AV’s autonomy software providing an open framework for unmanned systems. It features a modular set of interfaces such as autopilots, radios and sensors, and supports rapid integration with new platforms and applications. ARK also comes preinstalled with SPOTR-Edge, AV’s computer vision software, for onboard detection, classification, localization, and tracking of operationally relevant objects including people, vehicles, aircraft, and maritime vessels, day or night.

“ARK and AVACORE provide enhanced capabilities and critical advantages to warfighters on complex battlefields,” said AV’s Senior Vice President of MacCready Works, Jeff Rodrian. “This payload combines AV’s unparalleled autonomy and field-proven computer vision SPOTR-Edge to accelerate awareness and mission success.”

Through the combination of autonomy and computer vision, ARK and AVACORE allow operators to select a wide variety of single or multi-agent capabilities including multi-region search, track and follow and more. The introduction of these systems builds upon AV’s proven and trusted family of autonomous systems, bringing a scalable, adaptable AI toolset to fielded and new assets for safer, smarter mission capabilities.

“AVACORE features an intuitive behavior tree approach allowing flexibility for rapid development and adoption of new autonomous missions,” continued Rodrian. “This results in smarter systems with reduced cognitive load for warfighters.”

Click here to request additional information on AV’s ARK and AVACORE.

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AV’s Switchblade 300 Selected for U.S. Marine Corps’ Organic Precision Fires-Light Program

04/18/2024

AV’s Switchblade 300 Selected for U.S. Marine Corps’ Organic Precision Fires-Light Program

The Switchblade 300 Block 20 system is battle-proven and production-ready to support Marine Infantry

ARLINGTON, Va., April 18, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) was selected by the U.S. Marine Corps for the first phase of the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) program of record. AV’s Switchblade 300 Block 20 loitering munition system (LMS) will provide the Marine Corps with organic, anti-armor/anti-personnel, precision fires capability at the tactical level. AV was awarded an initial order of $8.9M on a contract with a maximum potential value of $249M.

AV’s Switchblade 300 Block 20 supports the OPF-L program’s request for an individually operated, man-portable loitering munition with a lightweight, precision-guided capability against beyond- line-of-sight adversaries. Switchblade 300 will ensure that Marines are properly equipped and sustained with a lethal, reliable, organic capability for rapid target engagement while minimizing collateral damage and exposure to threat weapon systems.

“AV offers a battle-proven and production-ready system to support OPF-L to meet the Marine Corps’ requirements,” said AV’s Senior Vice President of LMS, Brett Hush. “Our mature and trusted manufacturing capability combined with world-class training and support will ensure Marine Infantry is adequately prepared for the fight.”

AV’s Switchblade 300 has been deployed in support of urgent operational needs to combat theaters since 2012. Switchblade 300 Block 20 is the next generation of the system that capitalizes on over a decade of user assessments, combat deployments, and lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, including operating in contested environment operations.

The Switchblade Block 20 system significantly expands on the currently fielded Switchblade 300 capabilities, including armor penetrating capability through an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) warhead, increased target attack angle, and significantly greater battery life, flight endurance, and radio link range.

“With over 6,000 Switchblade loitering missiles tested, produced, and fielded, AV is in a unique position to offer revolutionary organic precision fire capabilities to the USMC, leveraging the proven reliability, producibility and supportability of current Switchblade programs,” continued Hush.

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AV Enters Teaming Agreement with Parry Labs to Develop Modular Next-Generation Long Range Reconnaissance UAS

04/15/2024

AV Enters Teaming Agreement with Parry Labs to Develop Modular Next-Generation Long Range Reconnaissance UAS

ARLINGTON, Va., April 15, 2024 – AeroVironment (AV) has entered into an exclusive teaming agreement with Parry Labs, a leader in Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), to architect, develop, deliver and integrate digital engineering, software, and mission system hardware into AV’s upcoming P550 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS), purpose built for the U.S. Army’s Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) program.

Parry Labs’ team of MOSA leaders and digital systems experts have created a foundational platform using an open and intelligent software stack, SWaP-C optimized hardware, and a digital engineering environment for collaborative build, test and integration. Designed with MOSA principles from inception, AV’s P550 UAS is perfectly aligned to adopt solutions from trusted partners such as Parry Labs to maximize warfighter capability and mission flexibility.

“Our customers rely on AV’s market-leading UAS to perform critical missions in challenging and hostile environments, while offering a verified and validated MOSA architecture from both software and hardware standpoints in order to eliminate vendor lock,” said AV’s Vice President of Engineering, Cris Sapera. “By teaming with Parry Labs, our valued P550 customers can expect a truly open system architecture that will have predefined Major System Components with validated open interfaces for quick, seamless replacement as needed.”

“We are excited to partner with AV to bring the benefits of MOSA to the enterprise,” said Parry Labs Chief Technology Officer, Dave Walsh. “Using an open systems approach on P550 provides the U.S. Army’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Aviation offices reusable and portable infrastructure and capabilities, giving them the opportunity for fast and secure upgrades across programs and platforms.”

AV’s MOSA-enabled P550 UAS is purpose built for long range reconnaissance missions and features advanced AI and autonomy, maximum payload versatility, and rapid employment capabilities.

About Parry Labs, LLC
Parry Labs redefines the edge for the modern battlespace with digital systems integration that delivers rapid capability deployment and a decisive combat advantage. The company combines open software architecture and mission-proven hardware to create a common framework that’s integrated, agile and designed to deliver the most mission-critical technology at mission relevant speed across all services and domains. For more information, visit Parry Labs and follow us on LinkedIn.

 

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 that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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AeroVironment
+1.703.418.2828
pr@avinc.com

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AV’s Puma 3 AE Now Offers Extended Endurance of Up To 3 Hours

02/14/2024

AV’s Puma 3 AE Now Offers Extended Endurance of Up To 3 Hours

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 14, 2024 – AeroVironment’s PS2500 battery is now approved for use in the Puma™ 3 AE unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The optional PS2500 battery allows operators to achieve extended endurance of up to three hours of flight time. The increased endurance provides operators with greater mission flexibility and time on station across land and maritime operations.

“The new PS2500 battery offers both new and current Puma customers the opportunity to dramatically expand the duration of their operations, enabling more ground covered in a single flight,” said Brad Truesdell, AeroVironment’s vice president and general manager of small UAS (SUAS). “Adding longer endurance capabilities to Puma’s existing flexible launch options and modularity makes it a truly unparalleled asset for various types of operations.”

Puma customers can now choose between the standard smart battery with two and a half hours of endurance, or the PS2500 battery with three hours of endurance. The high-energy-density lithium-ion PS2500 battery pack features an improved capacity of 24.5Ah (amp-hours) while retaining the size and form factor needed to be seamlessly integrated into Puma 3 AE’s existing battery bay and is also interoperable with Puma LE as a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU).

 

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