AV Introduces TOM 50 RE, a Backpackable UGV for Rapid Reconnaissance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Key Terms

explosive ordnance disposal technical

Explosive ordnance disposal is the professional detection, identification, neutralization and safe removal or destruction of bombs, mines and other explosive hazards. Think of it as a specialized “bomb squad” service that prevents accidents, protects people and property, and ensures operations can continue safely. For investors, it matters because demand drives contracts, equipment and training spending, and it affects liability, regulatory compliance and revenue for companies serving government and private clients.

simultaneous localization and mapping technical

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is a computing technique that lets a moving device build a map of an unknown environment while at the same time figuring out its own position within that map. Think of it as a person sketching a floor plan as they walk through a dark room and using that sketch to know where they are; for investors, SLAM is important because it enables reliable navigation and autonomy in products like robots, drones, and self-driving systems, affecting their performance, cost, and market potential.

global positioning system technical

A satellite-based system that tells devices their precise location and exact time anywhere on Earth, like a digital compass and clock sent from space. Investors care because GPS underpins navigation, delivery, fleet management, telecommunications timing, and many location-based services; its accuracy and availability affect revenue, costs, reliability and risk for companies that rely on routing, tracking, timing or automated systems.

infrared technical

Infrared is a band of light with wavelengths longer than visible red light that we cannot see but can feel as heat, like the warmth from the sun or a stovetop. Investors care because infrared technology — used in thermal cameras, night-vision, remote sensors, and some communication systems — drives demand for specific chips, sensors and manufacturing capacity, affecting revenue, margins and regulatory approvals in companies that build or use those products.

ip-mesh radio technical

An IP-mesh radio is a wireless networking system that sends data in Internet Protocol packets across a self-organizing web of radio links, where each device can relay traffic for others. Think of it like a team of messengers who hand notes down the line so information reaches its destination even if one path is blocked; for investors, it matters because it enables resilient, low-cost connectivity for services like smart grids, remote monitoring and public safety, influencing equipment demand, service revenue and deployment risk.

mission module interface technical

A mission module interface is the physical and software connection point that allows a detachable payload or subsystem to plug into a larger vehicle or platform, like a satellite, ship, or spacecraft. It matters to investors because a standardized, reliable interface makes it easier and cheaper to add, replace or upgrade capabilities—similar to USB ports on a computer—reducing development risk, increasing potential customers, and enabling recurring revenue from add-on modules and services.

improvised explosive devices technical

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are makeshift bombs built from readily available materials and triggered to explode, often used outside formal military lines by insurgents, terrorists, or criminals. For investors, IEDs matter because they drive security costs, disrupt transportation and supply chains, damage infrastructure and property, and can shift market sentiment—similar to how a sudden roadblock forces detours and extra expenses for businesses in an affected area.

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Lightweight uncrewed ground vehicle expands mission flexibility for highly mobile units operating in complex and contested environments

OSTFILDERN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”), a global leader in autonomous systems, today announced the launch of TOM 50 RE, a compact, backpackable uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) developed by its wholly owned subsidiary Telerob.

AV’s TOM 50 RE backpackable UGV delivers rapid reconnaissance, explosive ordnance disposal, and autonomous mapping capabilities for dismounted forces operating in contested environments. (Photo: AV)

Designed for mobile exploration, mission-accompanying reconnaissance, explosive threat disposal, and operational support, TOM 50 RE enables dismounted forces, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, and special operations units—including SWAT—to rapidly deploy robotic capability wherever the mission demands.

The announcement was made at Eurosatory 2026, a global event for defence and security held in Paris.

“The introduction of TOM 50 RE reflects AV’s commitment to delivering robotic systems that directly address the realities of modern ground combat and explosive threat environments,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of AV. “Today’s operators need systems that move with them, adapt to multiple missions, and provide immediate intelligence while reducing risk to human life. TOM 50 RE delivers that capability in a highly portable form factor built for the tactical edge.”

Weighing less than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and compact enough to be carried by a single operator, TOM 50 RE enables rapid deployment in confined and complex terrain, while its tracked design, stair-climbing flipper system, and dedicated mobility attachments allow it to overcome obstacles, navigate stairs and uneven terrain, and operate inside structures, delivering up to five hours of endurance and supporting payloads of up to five kilograms without compromising mobility.

With state-of-the-art onboard simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) capability, TOM 50 RE autonomously generates detailed maps of interior spaces, including multi-level buildings and global positioning system (GPS)-denied environments such as underground structures and dense urban terrain. Operators can identify and record points of interest directly within the digital map and export mission data immediately following operations, accelerating intelligence exploitation, supporting informed decision-making, and enabling more effective follow-on planning.

Equipped with four integrated high-resolution wide-angle cameras with infrared capability, TOM 50 RE delivers persistent 360-degree situational awareness in day, night, and degraded visual environments. Its advanced internet protocol (IP)-mesh radio architecture provides secure, resilient communications while enabling the system to function as a mobile repeater, extending connectivity for forces operating deep inside structures or complex terrain.

Its modular architecture, enabled by the Mission Module Interface (MMI) or an adapter supporting Telerob’s Universal Component Interface (UCI), allows operators to integrate mission-specific payloads, including advanced camera systems and disruptors, and tailor the system to evolving operational requirements.

“TOM 50 RE was designed to deliver immediate robotic capability at the point of need, where operators face the greatest uncertainty and risk,” said Florian Gruener, Managing Director of Telerob and Product Line General Manager for Uncrewed Ground Vehicles. “Its ability to rapidly conduct these missions in complex terrain allows forces to gain critical situational awareness, mitigate threats, and make faster, more informed decisions—while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.”

Controlled through AV_Halo™ Command running on the Tomahawk Grip family of systems or the Robo Command Control System, operators can seamlessly manage TOM 50 RE alongside other uncrewed systems, enabling coordinated robotic operations and enhancing situational awareness across the mission.

The Four Missions

• For mobile exploration, TOM 50 RE provides immediate situational awareness in unknown or high-risk environments, allowing operators to scout structures, confined spaces, and urban terrain without exposing personnel to danger.
• In mission-accompanying reconnaissance, the system’s integrated simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) capability enables it to navigate multi-story buildings, generate detailed interior maps, and identify and mark hazards or points of interest for follow-on forces.
• In defusing missions, TOM 50 RE supports the safe neutralization of improvised explosive devices and explosive hazards through modular disruptor and drop-charge payloads, allowing operators to mitigate threats from a safe distance.
• In its support role, in cooperation with the telemax EVO family of products, the system can serve as a mobile communications relay, extend operational reach, provide additional viewing angles, and enhance coordination between robotic and human elements across distributed teams.

TOM 50 RE expands AV’s portfolio of intelligent, mission-ready ground robotic systems supporting defence, security, and public safety forces worldwide.

About AV

AV (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defence technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo™, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260615133056/en/

Media Contact:
BJ Koubaroulis
pr@avinc.com
703.718.4060

Investor Contact:
Denise Pacioni
ir@avinc.com
805.795.4108

Source: AeroVironment, Inc.