U.S. Army Awards AeroVironment $11.7 Million Third and Final Contract Option for Raven Radio Frequency Modifications Under Existing FCS Contract

Rhea-AI Summary

AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) announced a significant contract with the U.S. Army, exercising the final option in a multi-year small unmanned aircraft systems contract. This option, valued at $11,731,740, contributes to a total contract value of $54,632,776. The contract includes essential components such as flight control system kits for the Raven tactical unmanned aircraft. Scheduled delivery is by September 2022. The Raven system has gained recognition as the most widely deployed unmanned aircraft globally.

Positive

• Final contract value reached $54,632,776.
• AeroVironment continues to strengthen its position as a leading supplier to the U.S. Army.
• Raven system recognized as the most deployed unmanned aircraft system worldwide.

Negative

• None.

• Final contract option exercised under the sole source Flight Control Systems (FCS) domain of the Army’s multi-year small unmanned aircraft systems contract
• Total final value of contract is $54,632,776
• U.S. Army possesses largest fleet of Raven tactical unmanned aircraft systems in the world

 

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced the United States Army exercised the third and final option under the Flight Control Systems (FCS) domain of the Army’s multi-year small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) contract on Sept. 9, 2021. The value of the contract option is $11,731,740 and includes flight control system kits, ground control stations and tail booms for the Army’s existing fleet of Raven^® tactical UAS. Delivery is scheduled to be completed by September 2022.

The Raven system is designed for low-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions that depend on rapid deployment and pinpoint maneuverability. (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

The contract option was exercised under the Army’s FCS domain awarded to AeroVironment in June 2019 and announced in November 2019 – the first of six domains comprising the Army’s existing five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) SUAS contract – bringing the total final value of contract to $54,632,776.

“The Raven system was created to provide frontline forces with real-time, accurate over-the-horizon situational awareness in conflict areas; a capability that was unavailable at the time of its inception,” said Trace Stevenson, vice president and product line general manager of small UAS. “Today, Raven is the most widely deployed unmanned aircraft system in the world and continues to serve as a modern tool for customers to gain superiority on the battlefield.”

The Raven system is designed for rapid deployment and high mobility for operations requiring low-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). With a wingspan of 4.5 feet and weighing just 4.2 pounds (1.9 kilograms), the hand-launched Raven provides situational awareness, day or night, with an operational range of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). The Raven’s Mantis i23 EO/IR gimbaled payload delivers real-time video or infrared imagery to ground control and remote viewing stations.

AeroVironment’s family of tactical UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base numbers more than 50 allied governments. To learn more, visit www.avinc.com.

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 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. With the addition of the Crysalis™ next-generation ground control solution, command and control of compatible UAS and their payloads is streamlined through an intuitive user experience and battlefield communication and collaboration is improved by enabling users to easily share real-time information and coordinate mission-critical decisions. AeroVironment provides turnkey 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 https://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/20211006005962/en/

Makayla Thomas

AeroVironment, Inc.

+1 (805) 520-8350

pr@avinc.com

Mark Boyer

For AeroVironment, Inc.

+1 (213) 247-4109

mark@boyersyndicate.com

Source: AeroVironment, Inc.

FAQ

What is the value of the recent AeroVironment contract with the U.S. Army?

The recent contract value is $11,731,740, contributing to a total of $54,632,776.

When is the delivery scheduled for the U.S. Army contract?

Delivery is scheduled to be completed by September 2022.

What does the AeroVironment contract involve?

It includes flight control system kits, ground control stations, and tail booms for Raven tactical UAS.

What is the Raven tactical UAS used for?

The Raven system provides low-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

When was the final option of the contract exercised?

The final option was exercised on September 9, 2021.