AeroVironment Introduces Next-Generation All-Electric VAPOR 55 MX Helicopter Unmanned Aircraft System, Built for Heavier Payloads and Longer Distances

Rhea-AI Summary

AeroVironment has launched the VAPOR 55 MX, a next-generation helicopter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) designed for enhanced operational performance. The modular design increases endurance by 25% and payload capacity by 20%, providing users with improved mission flexibility. The innovative tool-free quick rail mount simplifies the integration of various payloads, catering to the diverse needs of defense, commercial, and industrial sectors. The VAPOR 55 MX offers up to 12 pounds of payload with 70 minutes of flight endurance, while military variants can support 22 pounds with a 65-pound take-off weight.

Positive

• Launch of VAPOR 55 MX enhances operational performance and user adaptability.
• 25% increased endurance and 20% increased payload capacity compared to previous models.
• Modular architecture supports quick integration of various payloads for multiple missions.

Negative

• None.

• Next-generation VAPOR 55 delivers more simplified, modular design with performance improvements that optimize user experience
• Redesigned for increased levels of operational efficiency with 25 percent increased endurance and 20 percent increased payload capacity
• New payload interface and tool-free quick rail mount enables quick and easy field integration of both current and future payloads for increased mission flexibility

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced the launch of the next-generation VAPOR® Helicopter unmanned aircraft system (UAS), VAPOR 55 MX. Delivering new levels of operational performance with a completely redesigned modular autonomy framework, VAPOR 55 MX enables increased endurance and expanded payload capacity to meet current and emerging needs of defense, commercial and industrial customers.

VAPOR 55 MX is more rugged and packable than its predecessor and can stay in the air longer, hover and cover more ground. (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)

“The new VAPOR 55 MX is an easy-to-maintain system that incorporates a highly versatile modular architecture and tool-free rail system for simple, efficient integration of third-party or custom payloads, allowing users to adapt to multi-sensor, multi-mission requirements including utility inspection, aerial surveying, public safety and defense applications,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAS.

Built on the class-leading endurance and payload weight performance of its predecessor, VAPOR 55 MX features a new sleek and efficient low-profile design that enables the helicopter UAS to stay in the air 25 percent longer and operate in all weather. VAPOR 55 MX is heavy-lift capable and its increased usable payload capacity allows users to choose from single or multiple payload configurations.

This expansive modular payload bay can carry up to 12 pounds of payload with more than 70 minutes of flight endurance while still maintaining the 55-pound gross take-off weight (GTOW) restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial customers. For military customers that require more take-off weight, VAPOR 55 MX is capable of a 65-pound GTOW and can carry up to 22 pounds of usable payloads with a reduced endurance trade-off, nearing the edge of Group 3 weight class.

To learn more about the all-electric VAPOR 55 MX Helicopter UAS, visit www.avinc.com/uas/vapor.

ABOUT AEROVIRONMENT UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SOLUTIONS

AeroVironment’s portfolio of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems includes small footprint, runway-independent unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These solutions offer increased, multi-mission capabilities with the option of selecting the appropriate aircraft and payload based on the type of mission to be performed. These capabilities have the potential to provide significant force protection and force multiplication benefits to small tactical units and security personnel, as well as greater safety, scalability and cost savings to commercial operators. AeroVironment provides turnkey intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and support services worldwide to ensure a consistently high level of mission success. AeroVironment has delivered tens of thousands of new and replacement unmanned air vehicles to customers within the United States and to more than 50 allied governments. For more information, visit www.avinc.com/uas.

ABOUT AEROVIRONMENT, INC.

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) provides technology solutions at the intersection of robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity that deliver more actionable intelligence so you can proceed with certainty. Headquartered in Virginia, AeroVironment is a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems and serves defense, government and commercial customers. 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/20220913005261/en/

Makayla Thomas

AeroVironment, Inc.

+1 (805) 520-8350

pr@avinc.com

Mark Boyer

For AeroVironment, Inc.

+1 (310) 229-5956

mark@boyersyndicate.com

Source: AeroVironment, Inc.

FAQ

What are the key features of AeroVironment's VAPOR 55 MX?

The VAPOR 55 MX features modular design, 25% increased endurance, 20% increased payload capacity, and tool-free integration for diverse missions.

How much payload can the VAPOR 55 MX carry?

The VAPOR 55 MX can carry up to 12 pounds of payload with 70 minutes of flight endurance.

What is the significance of the VAPOR 55 MX for military applications?

For military applications, the VAPOR 55 MX can support up to 22 pounds of payload with a reduced endurance trade-off.

What advantages does the VAPOR 55 MX offer for commercial customers?

The VAPOR 55 MX offers enhanced performance and flexibility, enabling various applications such as utility inspection and aerial surveying.

When was the VAPOR 55 MX announced?

The VAPOR 55 MX was announced on September 13, 2022.

What stock symbol is associated with AeroVironment?

AeroVironment is traded under the stock symbol AVAV on NASDAQ.