AeroVironment reveals all-electric UAS
VAPOR 55 MX has 25% more endurance and expanded payload capacity when compared to its predecessor. (Photo: AeroVironment)
The new all-electric AeroVironment UAS helicopter, named VAPOR 55 MX, has an increased endurance and expanded payload capacity.
AeroVironment has launched its next-generation helicopter UAS, called VAPOR 55 MX.
The new aircraft delivers new levels of operational performance with redesigned modular autonomy framework, the company noted in a 13 September statement.
VAPOR 55 MX has 25% more endurance and expanded payload capacity when compared to its predecessor.
AeroVironment claims the system can carry up to 12lb (5.4kg) of payload with more than 70 minutes of flight endurance while still maintaining a 55lb gross take-off weight.
The payload can be doubled for defence customers with compromised endurance.
The UAS can be configured to support a variety of mission requirements.
Its modular payload bay and multi-sensor capacity allow for a wide range of sensors including gimbaled EO/IR, multispectral, LIDAR, Comms relay and SIGINT.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals]()
Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals
While several UAV programmes remain unawarded in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is forecast to be the biggest spender with its potential MQ-9B and Gambit deals overshadowing others in the region.
-
![February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad]()
February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad
The US launched the Gauntlet test in February as part of its accelerated attack drone procurement effort while also exploring various naval capabilities that could lead to procurements down the line. Shield AI’s V-Bat, meanwhile, has been stirring up global interest.
-
![Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest]()
Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
