AV Unveils Advanced Software Updates to Enhance Puma UAS Capabilities in Contested Environments

Rhea-AI Summary

AeroVironment (AVAV) has introduced Project GOLD, a comprehensive software update package for its Puma 3 AE and Puma LE uncrewed aircraft systems. The upgrades enhance battlefield effectiveness in contested environments, particularly when GPS and communication signals are compromised. Key improvements include advanced Assured Position Navigation and Timing capabilities, enhanced Visual Navigation System, improved radio security, and a 60% increase in payload capacity up to 6.5lbs. The software-only updates require no hardware modifications and can be implemented on existing systems using the Puma Software Update Kit.

Positive

• Software upgrade increases payload capacity by 60% to 6.5lbs
• Cost-effective implementation requiring no hardware modifications
• Enhanced operational capabilities in GPS-denied environments

Negative

• None.

Insights

Military Tech Analyst

The software update package represents a significant technological advancement for AVAV's Puma platform, addressing critical battlefield vulnerabilities. The GPS-denied capabilities and enhanced radio security directly tackle emerging threats in modern warfare, particularly against near-peer adversaries with signal jamming capabilities. The 60% payload increase to 6.5 lbs is particularly noteworthy, as it substantially expands mission versatility and potential revenue streams from military contracts.

The software-only nature of these upgrades is strategically important - it allows for rapid deployment across existing fleets without hardware modifications, reducing implementation costs while potentially accelerating adoption rates. This positions AVAV to capture additional value from its installed base through software upgrade sales while maintaining competitive advantages in the tactical UAS market.

Defense Industry Analyst

This upgrade package demonstrates AVAV's proactive approach to evolving battlefield requirements and positions the company well for upcoming military modernization programs. The focus on GNSS-denied operations aligns perfectly with the Pentagon's emphasis on near-peer conflict scenarios, particularly regarding potential electronic warfare threats. The ability to retrofit existing systems through software updates presents an attractive recurring revenue opportunity while helping maintain AVAV's market position against emerging competitors.

The timing is particularly strategic as military budgets increasingly prioritize autonomous systems capable of operating in contested environments. This could drive both new system sales and upgrade revenues from the existing fleet base.

 

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment (AV) announces a powerful suite of software updates, called Project GOLD, that elevate the battlefield effectiveness of its Puma™ 3 AE and Puma™ LE, in contested environments. The new updates bolster the Puma uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to maintain reliable navigation and mission performance even when GNSS and communications signals are unreliable, unavailable or deliberately jammed. The software-only upgrades ensure Puma UAS can continue mission-critical tasks autonomously and securely, reducing reliance on GPS and enhancing survivability in hostile areas.

A soldier hand-launches the Puma 3 AE, equipped with advanced GPS-denied capabilities, ensuring mission continuity in contested environments. (Photo: AeroVironment)

Featured Updates:

• GPS-Denied Capabilities: Puma 3 AE and Puma LE now support additional advanced Assured Position Navigation and Timing (APNT) capabilities in GNSS denied environments.
• Visual Navigation (VNS): Providing greater capability utilizing Puma’s VNS system with end-to-end GNSS-denied operation and an additional layer of GNSS spoofing detection and rejection.
• Enhanced Radio Security: Enhanced security features with the latest software and UI/UX ensuring robust communications in contested environments.
• Increased Payload: Software update allows for 60% increase in Puma 3 payload capacity, up to 6.5lbs of total payload for advanced multi-mission support.

“With these software enhancements, we’re reinforcing the adaptability and resilience of our Puma Systems for the most demanding battlefield conditions,” said Trace Stevenson, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Uncrewed Systems. “These capabilities allow warfighters to maintain operational superiority, even when adversaries attempt to disrupt critical systems, ensuring greater mission success and survivability.”

These new capabilities are delivered through software updates, requiring no hardware modifications to existing systems, thus offering a cost-effective and rapid upgrade path for deployed fleets. All new Puma systems will include these features, and currently fielded units can be easily upgraded using the Puma Software Update Kit.

ABOUT AEROVIRONMENT

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/20241114068886/en/

MEDIA CONTACT

Rene´ Bardorf

AeroVironment

+1 703.418.2828

pr@avinc.com

Source: AeroVironment

FAQ

What is Project GOLD for AVAV's Puma systems?

Project GOLD is a software update package that enhances Puma UAS capabilities in contested environments, improving navigation without GPS and increasing payload capacity to 6.5lbs.

How much does AVAV's Puma payload capacity increase with the new update?

The software update increases Puma 3's payload capacity by 60%, allowing it to carry up to 6.5lbs of total payload for advanced multi-mission support.

Does AVAV's Puma software update require hardware modifications?

No, the new capabilities are delivered through software updates only, requiring no hardware modifications to existing systems, enabling cost-effective and rapid fleet upgrades.