AeroVironment Announces First Successful Multi-Drop, Live Fire GPS-Guided Shryke Munitions from a VAPOR 55 MX Unmanned Aircraft System

Rhea-AI Summary

AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) announced the successful multi-drop, live fire GPS-guided Shryke munitions from the VAPOR® 55 MX, all-electric unmanned aircraft system in collaboration with Corvid and L3Harris Technologies. The VAPOR 55 MX carried four rounds simultaneously, showcasing the live fire effects of this capability. Shryke, known for its versatile, multi-mission precision strike capability, meets the requirement to stay within 1-2 meters of the designated target. The integration of Shryke munitions on the VAPOR 55 MX allows for multiple targets to be designated in one single flight. The open software and hardware architecture of the VAPOR 55 MX provides added versatility and allows customers to integrate third-party payloads of their choice without excessive non-recurring engineering costs and schedule delays.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

The successful demonstration of the multi-drop, live fire GPS-guided Shryke munitions from AeroVironment's VAPOR 55 MX UAS represents a significant advancement in unmanned aerial warfare technology. The ability to carry and deploy multiple precision-guided munitions in a single sortie enhances the operational capability of military forces, potentially altering tactical approaches to combat scenarios.

The integration of the Shryke munition, with its compact size and precision strike capability, into the VAPOR 55 MX platform, may lead to increased demand for AeroVironment's products within the defense sector. This could result in a positive impact on the company's financial performance, as defense contracts tend to be large and multi-year in nature, providing a steady revenue stream.

Moreover, the collaboration with Corvid and L3Harris Technologies could foster further innovations and solidify AeroVironment's position in the market. The emphasis on a modular open systems approach (MOSA) aligns with the current trend in defense procurement that favors systems interoperability and cost-effective upgrades, potentially opening up additional market opportunities.

Military Procurement Specialist

The implementation of the MIL-STD-1316 Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD) by L3Harris Technologies is a crucial aspect of the Shryke munition system, as it ensures safety and reliability of the munitions, which is paramount in military operations. This feature could make the Shryke munition more appealing to military procurement officers who are responsible for sourcing combat solutions that minimize risks to personnel and assets.

From a procurement perspective, the versatility offered by the VAPOR 55 MX's open architecture could be a game-changer, allowing for the integration of various third-party payloads. This flexibility can reduce long-term costs associated with system upgrades and modifications, which is a significant consideration when evaluating the total cost of ownership of military equipment.

It's also worth noting that the low-collateral damage solution provided by the Shryke munition aligns with modern military doctrines that prioritize precision and minimize unintended damage, which could influence procurement decisions in favor of this system.

Aerospace Industry Analyst

The strategic partnership between AeroVironment, Corvid and L3Harris Technologies underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in the aerospace and defense industry to stay competitive. The successful test of the multi-drop capability of the Shryke munitions from the VAPOR 55 MX could position AeroVironment favorably in the stock market, as investors often look for companies that demonstrate innovative breakthroughs and potential for capturing new markets.

In the context of the defense industry, where contracts are highly competitive and subject to rigorous testing and certification processes, this successful demonstration can be seen as a proof of concept that may lead to increased investor confidence. The potential for future contracts and partnerships as a result of this technological advancement could have a positive impact on AeroVironment's market valuation.

Lastly, the focus on a low-collateral damage solution could resonate well with defense customers looking to mitigate the environmental and political ramifications of military operations, potentially leading to an increase in market share for AeroVironment within this niche segment.

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment, Inc. announced today the first successful multi-drop, live fire GPS-guided Shryke munitions from the VAPOR® 55 MX, all-electric unmanned aircraft system in collaboration with Corvid and L3Harris Technologies. The VAPOR 55 MX carried four rounds simultaneously and flawlessly showcased the live fire effects of this capability. The integration of Shryke munitions on the VAPOR 55 MX allows for multiple targets to be designated in one single flight. “Shryke’s size and weight make it the ideal choice for the weaponized VAPOR 55 MX. The lethality of a 40mm anti-armor modular warhead paired with a lightweight glider provides a highly effective, low-collateral damage solution to the front lines,” said Kyle Bowen, Corvid’s Shryke business development director.

AeroVironment VAPOR 55 MX UAS (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

Shryke, developed by Corvid Technologies and L3Harris Technologies, is known for its versatile, multi-mission precision strike capability, meeting the requirement to stay within 1-2 meters of the designated target. Equipped with a MIL-STD-1316 Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD), L3Harris’ integrator guarantees safety-critical initiation-on-command for energetic systems and facilitates the secure post-flight recovery of remaining installed munitions. “Collaborating with our partners to develop the multi-drop Shryke payload to integrate seamlessly with the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) design of the VAPOR 55 MX gives us a real market advantage. Quick integration for the warfighter continues to be our top priority,” said Jason Wright, AeroVironment’s senior product line manager.

The open software and hardware architecture provides added versatility to the VAPOR 55 MX and continues to allow customers to integrate third-party payloads of their choice without being impacted by excessive non-recurring engineering costs and schedule delays.

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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240109046781/en/

Angela Schutt

AeroVironment, Inc.

pr@avinc.com

Source: AeroVironment, Inc.

FAQ

What is the name of the company mentioned in the press release and its ticker symbol?

The company mentioned in the press release is AeroVironment, Inc. and its ticker symbol is AVAV.

What is the main collaboration mentioned in the press release?

The main collaboration mentioned in the press release is between AeroVironment, Inc., Corvid, and L3Harris Technologies.

What is the significance of Shryke munitions on the VAPOR 55 MX?

The integration of Shryke munitions on the VAPOR 55 MX allows for multiple targets to be designated in one single flight.

What is the advantage of the open software and hardware architecture of the VAPOR 55 MX?

The open software and hardware architecture provides added versatility to the VAPOR 55 MX and allows customers to integrate third-party payloads of their choice without excessive non-recurring engineering costs and schedule delays.