AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE Now Offers Extended Endurance of Up To 3 Hours

Rhea-AI Summary

AeroVironment's PS2500 battery approved for Puma 3 AE UAS, offering up to three hours of flight time. The extended endurance enhances mission flexibility and time on station for land and maritime operations.

Aerospace Engineer

The introduction of AeroVironment's PS2500 battery for the Puma™ 3 AE UAS represents a significant enhancement in the operational capabilities of unmanned aircraft systems. The extended flight time up to three hours is a substantial improvement from the standard two and a half hours offered by the previous battery. This increased endurance is crucial for missions requiring prolonged surveillance or extensive area mapping, particularly in military, border security and environmental monitoring operations.

From an engineering perspective, the ability to maintain the same size and form factor while increasing energy capacity to 24.5Ah demonstrates advancement in lithium-ion battery technology. The interoperability with Puma LE as a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) simplifies logistics and maintenance, allowing for quick battery exchanges in the field, which is essential for continuous operations.

Market Research Analyst

The extended battery life for the Puma 3 AE UAS could potentially open up new markets and applications for AeroVironment. Industries such as agriculture, where drones are used for crop monitoring, could benefit from longer flight times. In addition, the ability to cover more ground in a single flight could appeal to commercial sectors that require efficient land surveying and infrastructure inspection. The competitive advantage gained through this innovation may lead to an increase in market share for AeroVironment in the UAS sector.

Furthermore, the potential for increased sales to existing customers who might upgrade to the new battery, as well as attracting new customers seeking longer endurance drones, could have a positive impact on the company's revenue streams. It is essential to monitor the market's response to this release to accurately forecast its influence on the company's financial performance.

Defense Industry Analyst

The enhancement of the Puma 3 AE's endurance capabilities with the PS2500 battery is likely to be well-received within the defense sector. Extended flight time is a critical factor for military operations, where longer missions can equate to improved situational awareness and operational effectiveness. The maritime operation capabilities also suggest applications in naval intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, potentially expanding AeroVironment's customer base within the defense industry.

The strategic implications for stakeholders, particularly in the defense sector, include the potential for reduced operational costs due to less frequent battery replacements and decreased downtime. However, the adoption rate and the actual operational performance of the new battery in diverse conditions will be key factors in determining its long-term impact on military procurement and AeroVironment's defense contracts.

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment’s PS2500 battery is now approved for use in the Puma™ 3 AE unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The optional PS2500 battery allows operators to achieve extended endurance of up to three hours of flight time. The increased endurance provides operators with greater mission flexibility and time on station across land and maritime operations.

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AeroVironment’s PS2500 battery provides Puma 3 AE unmanned aerial systems users with up to three hours of continuous flight operations. (Photo: AeroVironment)

“The new PS2500 battery offers both new and current Puma customers the opportunity to dramatically expand the duration of their operations, enabling more ground covered in a single flight,” said Brad Truesdell, AeroVironment’s vice president and general manager of small UAS (SUAS). “Adding longer endurance capabilities to Puma's existing flexible launch options and modularity makes it a truly unparalleled asset for various types of operations.”

Puma customers can now choose between the standard smart battery with two and a half hours of endurance, or the PS2500 battery with three hours of endurance. The high-energy-density lithium-ion PS2500 battery pack features an improved capacity of 24.5Ah (amp-hours) while retaining the size and form factor needed to be seamlessly integrated into Puma 3 AE’s existing battery bay and is also interoperable with Puma LE as a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU).

ABOUT AEROVIRONMENT, INC.

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a global leader in intelligent multi-domain robotic systems, uncrewed aircraft and ground systems, sensors, software analytics, and connectivity. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, AeroVironment delivers actionable intelligence so our customers can proceed with certainty. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ashley Riser

PR Manager

AeroVironment, Inc.

pr@avinc.com

Source: AeroVironment

What is the approved battery for Puma 3 AE UAS by AeroVironment?

The approved battery for Puma 3 AE UAS by AeroVironment is the PS2500 battery.

How much flight time does the PS2500 battery offer for Puma 3 AE UAS?

The PS2500 battery offers up to three hours of flight time for Puma 3 AE UAS.

Who mentioned the opportunity to expand the duration of operations with the new PS2500 battery for Puma customers?

Brad Truesdell, AeroVironment's vice president and general manager of small UAS (SUAS), mentioned the opportunity to expand the duration of operations with the new PS2500 battery for Puma customers.

What are the two battery options now available for Puma customers?

The two battery options now available for Puma customers are the standard smart battery with two and a half hours of endurance or the PS2500 battery with three hours of endurance.

What are the features of the high-energy-density lithium-ion PS2500 battery pack?

The high-energy-density lithium-ion PS2500 battery pack features an improved capacity of 24.5Ah (amp-hours) while retaining the size and form factor needed to be seamlessly integrated into Puma 3 AE's existing battery bay.