AeroVironment, of Monrovia, Calif., received a $7.3 million million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract from the U.S. Army for digital Puma All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) contractor logistics support services in support of a Joint Urgent Operational Need Statement. The services are scheduled to be provided within the next 12 months.
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) selected the Puma UAS in 2008 for its AECV program after a full and open competition.
Each Puma system consists of three air vehicles and two ground control systems. The air vehicle carries an integrated electro-optical and infrared gimbaled video camera, is designed for enhanced survivability in land and maritime environments, and can operate effectively in foul weather and over rugged terrain. Its quiet operation, stabilized imagery and precision landing capability make Puma systems easy to operate and recover. The Puma air vehicle weighs 13 pounds, is battery powered and has a flight endurance of two hours.