AeroVironment Introduces Puma VNS, a Visual-Based Navigation System That Enables GPS-Denied Navigation Across GPS-Contested Environments

Rhea-AI Summary

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) unveiled the Puma VNS, a cutting-edge visual-based navigation system for its small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS), the Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE. This system allows precise aircraft location determination without GPS, enhancing navigational capabilities in GPS-contested environments. The Puma VNS will be available for new orders and existing systems as a retrofit kit. Operators can expect future software and hardware updates, boosting functionality and integrating advanced autonomy features, thereby improving mission confidence in challenging conditions.

Positive

• Introduction of Puma VNS enhances navigation capabilities for Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE systems.
• Allows aircraft to operate effectively in GPS-denied environments.
• Future software and hardware updates will continually enhance system features.
• Available for new orders and as a retrofit for existing systems.

Negative

• None.

• System determines precise location of the aircraft during flight without relying on GPS
• Will enable increasingly advanced navigational capabilities, features and functionality through future software and hardware updates
• Available as an add-on option for new Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE system orders and as a retrofit kit for fielded systems

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today introduced Puma™ VNS, a visual-based navigation system for Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) that will enable GPS-denied navigation across increasingly GPS-contested environments.

Operators can deploy Puma AE small unmanned aircraft systems across GPS-contested environments with Puma VNS, which will automatically transition to and from GPS-denied navigation mode without any input from operator for seamless connectivity. (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)

The system will provide operators with continually advanced navigation capabilities, features and functionality through anticipated software and hardware updates. The system will also enable the integration of future autonomy capabilities.

“Puma VNS gives operators an unprecedented advantage in the battlefield,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for SUAS. “Operators now can execute missions with more confidence in GPS-contested environment with the system’s new navigational capabilities.”

The next-generation navigation system features a suite of down-looking sensors that gather imagery data and track features on the ground, as well as an embedded compute module to process and determine the precise location of an aircraft while it is in flight. Designed with the operator in mind, the system automatically transitions to and from GPS-denied navigation mode without any input from the operator.

Puma VNS is available as an add-on option for new Puma 3 AE system orders and as a retrofit kit for fielded Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE systems. To learn more about Puma VNS, visit www.avinc.com/pumaae.

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/20220915005434/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 is the Puma VNS by AeroVironment?

The Puma VNS is a visual-based navigation system that enables precise aircraft location determination for Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE SUAS without relying on GPS.

How does the Puma VNS improve navigation?

It allows for seamless operation in GPS-contested environments by automatically transitioning between GPS and GPS-denied navigation modes.

When will the Puma VNS be available?

The Puma VNS is available as an add-on for new Puma 3 AE orders and as a retrofit for existing Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE systems.

What are the future capabilities of the Puma VNS?

Future software and hardware updates will provide enhanced functionality and integrate advanced autonomy features.

What advantage does the Puma VNS provide to operators?

It gives operators greater confidence in executing missions in GPS-denied environments, improving operational effectiveness.