AeroVironment Upgrades Puma UAS With Smart Battery, Bungee Launch System

AeroVironment has upgraded Puma unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with a new smart 2500 battery and bungee launch system.

Available for Puma LE, the optional Puma Smart 2500 Battery allows operators to achieve an extended flight time of up to 6.5 hours. The increased endurance provides operators with greater time on station, maximizing Puma LE’s multi-mission capabilities across land and maritime environments. This high-energy-density, lithium-ion 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 LE’s existing battery bay, the company said in a statement last week.

AeroVironment’s Puma Bungee Launch System (BLS), a military-grade bungee launcher that is standard equipment with every Puma LE system, is now available as an enhancement option for Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE. The BLS allows for the assisted launch of Puma AE UAS in environmental conditions where hand launch is not practical or is limited. Designed with mission-flexibility in mind, the BLS can be securely installed in a variety of soil types or mounted to low, immovable objects. The lightweight and portable all-environment system can be set up and operational in less than 10 minutes.

The Puma Bungee Launch System is currently available for order/delivery, and the Puma Smart 2500 Battery will be available for order/delivery before the end of the third quarter, calendar year 2020.