Computer vision navigation for uncrewed aircraft without access to GNSS integrated by AeroVironment

Summary points:

• AeroVironment integrates Visual Navigation System (VNS) with Puma LE to enable GNSS-independent flight across the Puma drone family.
• VNS uses computer vision and inertial data fusion to deliver precise navigation and geolocation in GPS-contested environments.
• Puma LE upgrades include a laser target designator and universal gimbal kit, enhancing mission flexibility and performance.

ARLINGTON, Va. – AeroVironment Inc. in Arlington, Va., has integrated the company's Visual Navigation System (VNS) kit with the Puma long-endurance small uncrewed aircraft.

The VNS kit uses computer vision and onboard processing to deliver precise GNSS-independent navigation, and its integration into Puma LE extends this capability across the Puma family.

“By fusing visual and inertial data in real time, the system enables uninterrupted flight paths, accurate geolocation, and mission continuity in unreliable GNSS regions,” says Jason Hendrix, vice president of small uncrewed systems at AeroVironment.

Downward-facing cameras

Using downward-facing sensors, cameras, and onboard computing, the VNS navigation kit performs visual inertial odometry to capture and analyze terrain imagery to estimate true aircraft position in real time.

The system fuses visual data continuously from the cameras with motion inputs from onboard inertial sensors to calculate precise position, velocity, and orientation, which enables the aircraft to know where it is and where it is going when GNSS is not available. It automatically switches between GNSS-enabled and GNSS-denied modes with zero pilot input.

AeroVironment has announced several upgrades to the Puma LE that include a laser target designator and the release of the universal gimbal kit.

Option for Puma

The VNS Kit is an add-on option for Puma 3 AE or Puma LE system orders and as a retrofit kit. The compact two-piece add on installs into existing Pumas within the standard Puma cases.

The standard Puma LE system weighs 23.8 pounds and offers 6.5 hours of endurance, a 60-kilometer range, is inaudible at 500 feet, and features tool-free payload swaps between intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), targeting, and other missions.

For more information contact AeroVironment online at www.avinc.com.