AeroVironment delivers M1/M2/M5-compatible UAS
AeroVironment has integrated new M1/M2/M5 radio frequencies into its family of small UAS, enabling users to securely conform to the Department of Defense’s (DoD's) new frequency spectrum allocation, the company announced on 19 September.
M1/M2/M5-compatible Raven and Puma AE have been delivered to two DoD customers, and further orders for M1/M2/M5-configured Wasp AE are expected in December 2017 for delivery in 2018.
David Sharpin, vice president of AeroVironment’s tactical UAS business unit, said: ‘By combining all three frequency bands in the same transceiver module, we’ve made it easy for users to select the frequency band associated with the part of the world in which they are operating without having to swap any hardware.’
The company has also introduced its new Pocket Digital Data Link (DDL) AE, a secure digital video and data receiver that also integrates the new M1/M2/M5 radio frequency spectrum.
The Pocket DDL AE facilitates rapid and secure access to a small UAS DDL network. Each unit, with a rugged and waterproof packaging to support tactical operations in a wide range of environmental conditions and difficult urban terrain, has no exterior buttons or displays and is completely controlled through an app.
The system is compatible with the army’s Net Warrior system, and uses a USB interface and XML messaging for control of the radio functions. This enables apps designed for special purposes, such as tactical operations, search and rescue, asset tracking, long-range communications, mission command, and targeting to use Pocket DDL AE to employ small UAS to help perform their tasks more effectively.
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