AeroVironment announces new Raven SUAS order

AeroVironment will supply additional RQ-11B Raven small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) and new miniature gimbaled payloads to the US Army under a new order announced on 10 April. The order also includes initial spares packages, and is valued at $13.8 million.

This is the third order received by the company from the US Army since May 2012 worth a total of $46.1 million under a contract worth up to $65.5 million.

The US armed forces use the Raven SUAS extensively for missions such as base security, route reconnaissance, mission planning and force protection.

The 4.5-pound, backpackable, hand-launched RQ-11B Raven sensor platform provides day and night, real-time video imagery wirelessly to a portable ground control station for over the hill and around the corner reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition in support of tactical units. Each Raven system typically consists of three aircraft, two ground control stations and spares.

Roy Minson, senior vice president and general manager, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, AeroVironment, said: ‘The proven Raven small unmanned aircraft system continues to serve our soldiers reliably, wherever and whenever they require immediate airborne situational awareness. Like all our customers, the army’s needs continue to evolve, and we continue to deliver enhanced solutions to ensure that our troops maintain their battlefield advantage. The Mantis suite of gimbaled payloads is the latest example of a valuable capability enhancement to protect those who protect us.’

Delivery of systems, spares and payloads are scheduled for completion by 25 July, 2013.