AeroVironment to provide support services for Puma UAS

The US Army has awarded a contract to AeroVironment to provide support services for the digital Puma All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

Under the $7.3m contract, the company will provide contractor logistics support services for the UAS in support of the army's Joint Urgent Operational Need Statement.

The man-portable and hand-launched UAS designed for land-based and maritime operations comprises three air vehicles and two ground control systems.

The vehicle is equipped with an electro-optical and infrared video camera to capture and transmit high-resolution imagery to a ground control station (GCS) through a line of sight datalink.

The contract is awarded under the existing US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) All Environment Capable Variant (AECV) contract and the services will be provided within the next 12 months.