USAF orders Puma 3 AE and Raven UAS from AeroVironment
AeroVironment has received an order for Puma 3 AE and Raven UAS systems from the USAF, totalling $15.9million.
The orders were received on 19 April 2021 and 6 May 2021. The Puma 3 AE systems and spared were delivered on 30 April 2021, while the delivery of the Raven spares is expected in November 2021.
The Puma 3 AE is designed for land and maritime operations.
The all-environment Puma 3 AE and Mantis i45 EO/IR sensor suite empowers operators with extended flight time and a level of imaging capability never before available in the tactical UAS class.
It is hand-launched and has a wingspan of 9.2ft (2.8m), weights 15lb (6.8kg), can operate for up to 2.5h and has a range of 12.4 miles (60km) to 37.2miles (20km) – with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna.
The Raven system is designed for rapid deployment and high mobility for operation requiring low-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
It has a wingspan of 4.5ft (1.4m), weighs 4.2lb (1.9kg) and has an operational range of 6,2 miles (10km).
Both systems can be operated using AeroVironment’s Crysalis ground control solution.
More from Air Warfare
-
Romania receives three more F-16 fighters from Norway
Romania has continued to marking progress in its efforts to modernise its air force and replace its Soviet-era MiG-21 fighters.
-
NATO’s E-3A fleet more important than ever, says force commander
NATO’s E-3A fleet will have been in service for more than half a century by the time of their expected retirement but a boost to the capability and conflict elsewhere have highlighted their importance.