Trillium Engineering‘s HD59-MLVS-LD payload has been integrated onto AeroVironment’s Puma™ LE small Unmanned Aerial system (sUAS).
The integration is seen as a major step forward in delivering precision targeting capabilities to Group 2 platforms.
At under 2kg, the HD59-MLVS-LD is believed to be the lightest Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) gimbal in its class to feature an integrated laser designator. The payload includes a 50mj STANAG 3733-compliant laser, a 64-megapixel EO camera, a narrow field-of-view mid-wave IR sensor, and see-spot short-wave IR. These combined sensors allow small units to independently identify and designate targets, accelerating decision-making and increasing mission autonomy.
Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AeroVironment, said, “Integrating a laser designator into Puma LE delivers a significant tactical advantage. Operators can now seamlessly transition from reconnaissance to precision target designation using the same lightweight, man-portable system – a capability previously reserved for larger and more complex platforms. Trillium Engineering has been an outstanding partner, and we are proud to collaborate with them on this new laser designator payload.”
Matt Carreon, Vice President of Business Development at Trillium Engineering, added, “We are proud to partner with AeroVironment on the integration of our HD59-MLVS-LD. This collaboration brings a powerful, multi-sensor EO/IR gimbal system to the field, enabling precision laser designation on a platform as portable as Puma LE. The combination dramatically enhances the operational independence and effectiveness of tactical teams worldwide.”
According to Trillium, the collaboration with AeroVironment expands what is possible for lightweight, man-portable Group 2 systems. Traditionally, capabilities like laser designation were confined to larger aircraft with heavier payloads. Now, tactical teams can achieve the same advanced effects in a compact, highly deployable package.
