U.S. Air Force to equip Security Forces with AeroVironment Raven unmanned aircraft systems, $6.9 million initial order issued

Posted by Courtney E. HowardMONROVIA, Calif., 28 Sept. 2011. AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) won from the U.S. Air Force a $6,874,175 firm-fixed-price order, placed under an existing U.S. Army contract, for new Raven unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and initial spares packages. Each Raven typically includes three aircraft, two ground control stations, and spares. AeroVironment personnel anticipate delivery over the next several months. Systems provided under this initial order will aid in training Air Force personnel, with the intent of broader deployment. Air Force Security Forces will use the small, digital Raven systems to enhance situational awareness and security at bases worldwide.

"Real-time aerial video from small unmanned aircraft systems has proven invaluable to warfighters on the battlefield, and can similarly benefit Security Forces at Air Force bases,” says Tom Herring, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of unmanned aircraft systems. "Raven, Puma, and Wasp systems deliver situational awareness directly to the troops who need it, helping them operate more effectively and saving lives.”

The Raven unmanned aircraft--a 4.2-pound, backpackable, hand-launched sensor platform-- 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, says a spokesperson.

U.S. armed forces employ Raven systems for base security, route reconnaissance, mission planning, and force protection applications.