AeroVironment to Deliver Puma 3AE, Wasp AE UAS to U.S. Ally

AeroVironment announced today it received a $4 million contract to provide Puma 3 AE and Wasp AE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and related support.

The U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract was awarded on September 27, 2021. It covers provision of initial spares packages, training and support to an allied nation.

Delivery is anticipated by September 2022.

Puma 3 AE unmanned aircraft system is designed for land and maritime operations. The hand-launched Puma 3 AE has a wingspan of 9.2 feet, weighs 15 pounds and can operate for up to 2.5 hours. The aircraft also has a range of 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) with a standard range antenna, up to 24.9 miles (40 kilometers) Extended Range Antenna (ERA) and up to 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) with Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA). It also features reduced system packaging with a flyable configuration and Ground Control System (GCS) in one case. Capable of landing in water or on land, the all-environment Puma 3 AE and Mantis i45 EO/IR sensor suite empower operators with extended flight time and a level of imaging capability never before available in the small UAS class.

Wasp AE is a lightweight, man-packable UAS that weighs just over a kilogram and delivers better capabilities for an unmanned aircraft system of its size, including stealthy maneuverability, superior imagery, encrypted video and exceptional ease of use. Wasp’s gimbaled payload is mechanically stabilized, enabling it to transmit advanced imagery in high-wind conditions, while its advanced avionics allow operators the option of manual or autonomous navigation.