AeroVironment reveals all-electric UAS
VAPOR 55 MX has 25% more endurance and expanded payload capacity when compared to its predecessor. (Photo: AeroVironment)
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
-
Colombia months away from selecting new fighter aircraft, says minister
The country’s Defence Minister said that the selection of a NATO-country fighter aircraft to replace its ageing Kfir jets was a matter of protecting the country.
-
Testing of Taiwan’s air-launched supersonic anti-ship missile commences
Should it be introduced into service, the air-launched Hsiung Feng 3 could boost Taiwan’s anti-ship missile capacity and kill zones.
-
Portugal may snub F-35 fighter jets in the face of Trump administration “unpredictability”
A change in the White House’s attitude towards NATO and its European allies may lead to Portugal opting for a non-US option to replace its ageing Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter fleet.
-
Ireland to explore options for tactical UAS procurement
The EU planning notice cited that the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) would be used for predominantly for reconnaissance purposes with a greater range and endurance than drones currently operated by the Irish Defence Forces.