AeroVironment recently declared that it has been presented with a new contract worth $11,095,872 from the U.S. Army on March 1, 2012.
The Raven unmanned aircraft is a 4.2-pound, backpackable, hand-launched sensor platform that provides day and night, real-time video imagery for "over the hill" and "around the corner" reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition in support of tactical units. (Photo: Business Wire)
The order encompasses Marine Corps, Army, and Foreign Military Sales contractor logistics support for Raven systems. The logistics support services is expected to be delivered on February 28, 2013.
The RQ-11B Raven unmanned aircraft system consists of a 4.2 lb, backpackable, hand-launched sensor platform that offers wireless real-time video imagery to a portable ground control station, day and night for ‘around the corner’ and ‘over the hill’ reconnaissance, target acquisition and surveillance, based on tactical units. Raven systems are being implemented at the U.S. army forces for mission operations including mission planning, base security, force protection and route reconnaissance. Each Raven system is made up of two ground control stations, three aircraft, and spares.
AeroVironment’s range of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems encompasses Wasp, RQ-11B Raven, Shrike VTOL comprise and Puma. Based on a common ground control system (GCS) for operation, these systems offer enhanced potentials to the warfighter, wherein ground commanders can have the option of selecting the ideal aircraft according to the mission function types. It contributes to force security and force multiplication benefits to security personnel and small tactical units.
AeroVironment is a worldwide supplier of a large number of new and replacement small unmanned air vehicles. The Qube small UAS is a versatile system that caters to the needs of first response, law enforcement, and public safety operations.
Source: http://www.avinc.com/