AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment (AV)
announces a powerful suite of software updates, called Project GOLD, that
elevate the battlefield effectiveness of its Puma 3 AE and Puma LE, in
contested environments. The new updates bolster the Puma uncrewed aircraft
systems (UAS) to maintain reliable navigation and mission performance even when
GNSS and communications signals are unreliable, unavailable or deliberately
jammed. The software-only upgrades ensure Puma UAS can continue
mission-critical tasks autonomously and securely, reducing reliance on GPS and
enhancing survivability in hostile areas.
Featured updates:
·
GPS-denied capabilities: Puma 3 AE
and Puma LE now support additional advanced Assured Position Navigation and
Timing (APNT) capabilities in GNSS denied environments.
·
Visual navigation (VNS): Providing
greater capability utilizing Puma’s VNS system with end-to-end GNSS-denied
operation and an additional layer of GNSS spoofing detection and rejection.
·
Enhanced radio security: Enhanced
security features with the latest software and UI/UX ensuring robust
communications in contested environments.
·
Increased payload: Software update
allows for 60% increase in Puma 3 payload capacity, up to 6.5lbs of total
payload for advanced multi-mission support.
“With these software enhancements, we’re reinforcing the
adaptability and resilience of our Puma Systems for the most demanding
battlefield conditions,” says Trace Stevenson, AV’s senior vice president and general
manager of Uncrewed Systems. “These capabilities allow warfighters to maintain
operational superiority, even when adversaries attempt to disrupt critical
systems, ensuring greater mission success and survivability.”
These new capabilities are delivered through software
updates, requiring no hardware modifications to existing systems, thus offering
a cost-effective and rapid upgrade path for deployed fleets. All new Puma
systems will include these features, and currently fielded units can be easily
upgraded using the Puma Software Update Kit.