May 15 2010
AeroVironment has obtained an additional order from the U.S. Army to provide new digital unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and engineering support services.
Earlier, AeroVironment had received an order worth $6.8 million to provide 51 digital Raven aircraft systems, contractor logistics support and initial spares packages for the U.S. Marine Corps. The company also received a contract, worth $12.3million to provide 216 retrofit kits to enhance the Army’s current analog Raven systems with its digital data link. AeroVironment received both the contracts on 30th March and 12th April 2010, respectively.
Under the new contract, valued at $11.2million AeroVironment will supply 63 digital Raven systems to the U.S. Army. In addition to the aircraft systems, the company will also evaluate the Army’s unmanned aircraft systems.
The Raven system weighs 4.2 pounds and incorporates a sensor platform that offers real-time video imagery for surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition round the clock.
The U.S. Army primarily uses the digital Raven systems for force protection, route reconnaissance, base security and mission planning purposes.
AeroVironment’s small unmanned aircraft systems also comprise Wasp and Puma systems that are monitored by the company’s ground control station. Both Wasp and Puma are hand-launched aircraft systems. Each system includes two ground control stations, three aircrafts and other spare parts.
AeroVironment will deliver advanced unmanned aircraft systems to the U.S. Army in less than a year. AeroVironment provides customized and interoperable unnamed aircraft systems that satisfy a number of operational needs. The company’s UAS logistics operation support systems are installed throughout the world to deliver efficient operational service. AeroVironment has supplied a number of small UAS to various countries such as, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark and Italy.
AeroVironment designs, manufactures and supports advanced electric energy systems and unmanned aircraft systems. The company provides hand-launched aircraft systems for U.S. military services. AeroVironment also provides transportation equipment such as test systems, vehicle charging systems, power cycling and EV home and fast chargers for institutional and commercial markets.
Source: http://www.avinc.com