US Ally Orders AeroVironment UAVs

AeroVironment will deliver its Puma 3 AE and Wasp AE small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), initial spares packages, training and support to an allied nation By DA Staff / 03 Dec 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
AeroVironment Puma / Wasp
Follow DA

AeroVironment, Inc. has received a $4 million firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract to provide Puma 3 AE and Wasp AE small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), initial spares packages, training and support to an allied nation. 

AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE UAV 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 has a range of 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) with a standard range antenna, up to 24.9 miles (40 kilometers) with AeroVironment’s Extended Range Antenna (ERA) and up to 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) with AeroVironment’s 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 Puma 3 AE and Mantis i45 Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite empower operators with extended flight time and a level of imaging capability never before available in the small UAV class.

Wasp AE is a lightweight, man-packable UAV that weighs just over a kilogram and delivers best-in-class capabilities for a UAV 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.

“Allied forces around the world continue to adopt and deploy AeroVironment’s battle-proven small unmanned aircraft systems in order to increase the mission effectiveness and safety of their frontline forces,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAVs.

Delivery is anticipated by September 2022.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

New Mobile Troposcatter Technology Supports GPS Denied Operations

Spectra Group is set to unveil a mobile troposcatter solution enhancing Comtech’s COMET system, delivering high-bandwidth, satellite-independent communications in contested and GPS-denied environments

May 02, 2025
Micropol Expands Tactical Communications Capabilities with New Production Facility

Micropol Fiberoptic is expanding its tactical communications capabilities with a new high-capacity production facility strategically located along Sweden’s E6 highway in Halmstad

May 02, 2025
Partnership to Enhance Networking Capabilities for Defense Platforms

Amphenol Aerospace and BotBlox have partnered to distribute and integrate compact, rugged Ethernet hardware for defense platforms, enhancing networking capabilities and accelerating product development for uncrewed and mobile systems

May 01, 2025
USMC Receives Extended Range MQ-9A Reaper® from GA-ASI

The U.S. Marine Corps has received a technologically advanced MQ-9A Reaper® UAS from GA-ASI, featuring wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear for extended 30+ hour endurance

May 01, 2025
Extreme-Rugged Edge Computers & AI Systems to Feature at XPONENTIAL 2025

Neousys Technology set to exhibit its rugged embedded computers and edge AI solutions for extreme environments at XPONENTIAL 2025

May 01, 2025
The Advantages of AFT Cooling in Modern Defense Applications

Learn how Air Flow Through (AFT) cooling excels in defense applications, offering efficient heat dissipation, minimal maintenance, and rugged durability compared to other cooling methods. 4o mini

May 01, 2025

Featured Content

Sky Power to Showcase ISR UAV Propulsion Technology at XPONENTIAL 2025

Sky Power International will present advanced UAV propulsion technologies at XPONENTIAL 2025, highlighting powerful engines, hybrid systems, and customized solutions for ISR and civilian applications

Apr 29, 2025
Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.