AeroVironment unveils Puma VTOL kit for small UAS
AeroVironment’s Puma VTOL kit enables rooftop launch and landing. (Photo: AeroVironment)
The VTOL kit allows the Puma 2AE and Puma 3AE UAS to operate in a wider range of terrains.
AeroVironment has announced the release of its Puma vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) kit, which can be integrated into Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE small UAS (SUAS) for vertical take-off and landing.
With the optional VTOL kit, the Puma system can operate in various terrains without needing a runway or large open space for launch and recovery.
The VTOL capability is operated through AeroVironment's Crysalis ground control solution, streamlining operations with features such as one-button launch and recovery and enabling a single operator to execute missions.
The Puma VTOL kit allows operators to quickly transition between fixed-wing and VTOL platforms to adapt to varying mission needs.
Integration of the kit requires minimal one-time modifications to the aircraft's airframe, AeroVironment said.
'Our new Puma VTOL kit provides the operator with a wider range of launch and land capabilities, enhancing the unit's mission while further safeguarding its personnel during these periods of transitional flight,' said Shane Hastings, AeroVironment's VP and product line GM for SUAS.
Once modified, the plug-and-play Puma VTOL kit can be easily added or removed in the field within a few minutes, allowing operators to transition between a fixed-wing and VTOL platform quickly.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade]()
Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade
The Mid-Life Upgrade agreement comes as Poland makes significant increases in its defence spend as its plans to increase it to 5% of GDP by 2026.
-
![How unconventional warfare demands are changing the CUAS and drone development landscape]()
How unconventional warfare demands are changing the CUAS and drone development landscape
The use of drones in unconventional ways is accelerating technological advances and countermeasures as military planners try to stay ahead of the drone revolution in military affairs.
-
![Applied Intuition takes aim at major air combat programmes with UK expansion]()
Applied Intuition takes aim at major air combat programmes with UK expansion
The autonomous software company’s new UK subsidiary is the latest in a line of businesses poised to expand and offer its services to the UK Ministry of Defence and industry, as the country invests more in AI and autonomous technology to deliver the next generation of uncrewed systems.
