AeroVironment declared that it has signed a fixed-price contract with the U.S. Army to supply the Raven small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) and spares. The new $8,373,995 contract is given as a follow-on contract with the U.S. Army.
According to an article published in the U.S. Department of Defense website, the Raven SUAV can be used to conduct small combat operations. The Raven unmanned aircraft is a 4.2 lb sensor platform that can be hand-launched. AeroVironment’s SUAS comprise Puma, Wasp, and Raven.
The sensor platform of this backpackable unmanned aircraft produces continuous real-time videos and images through the night and day to enable target acquisition, inspection, and reconnaissance operations to support tactical units. Each Raven system comprises two ground control stations, three aircrafts, and spares. The U.S Army uses Raven unmanned aircrafts for performing several critical security operations such as mission planning and force security, route reconnaissance, and base safety.
Source: http://www.avinc.com/