The T-20 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in flight at CIRPAS Camp Roberts California. Credit: Efolkestad.

AeroVironment has purchased high-performance unmanned aircraft system (UAS) manufacturer Arcturus UAV in a transaction valued at around $405m.

The acquisition will enable AeroVironment to expand its portfolio of UAS into new market areas. It also adds to AeroVironment’s portfolio of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems.

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The transaction was initially announced last month.

In June, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) selected Arcturus UAV for the potential $975m IDIQ MEUAS IV contract.

It was one of the six companies awarded a seat on the contract to compete for task orders.

Arcturus UAV’s vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Jump 20 UAS offers multi-mission capabilities to USSOCOM operations.

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In addition, the company is one of the four companies participating in the current US Army Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (FTUAS) programme capabilities assessment.

AeroVironment president and CEO Wahid Nawabi said: “Like AeroVironment, the Arcturus UAV team is laser-focused on supporting its customers around the world with the most reliable and effective products and services for their missions.

“As we welcome the Arcturus UAV team to AeroVironment, we commit to maintaining or exceeding the high level of service our existing and new customers experience.

“The JUMP 20 and T-20 platforms, combined with associated ISR services, represent a significant expansion to AeroVironment’s portfolio of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems that will enhance long-term shareholder value and help our customers around the world Proceed with Certainty.”

Arcturus UAV now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary under the AeroVironment brand.

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