Army orders more Raven UAS

MONROVIA, Calif., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army announced it has contracted California-based AeroVironment Inc. for additional RQ-11B Raven small unmanned aircraft systems.

AeroVironment is a developer of unmanned aircraft systems technologies and electric energy systems for the U.S. Defense Department among others. Officials announced a $45.8 million deal for Raven UAS hand-launched sensor platforms.

AV officials say the Raven UAS, widely deployed by U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, is capable of real-time video imagery in the day and during nighttime reconnaissance work to support route clearance, mission planning and force protection.

"We are pleased to support the Army and Marine Corps' expanding rollout of Raven systems to the tactical ground forces that rely on them," John Grabowsky, AV executive vice president and general manager of unmanned aircraft systems, said in a statement.

"Our partnership with our customers enables us to provide them with battle-proven, durable Raven systems that perform reliably when and where they are needed. The increased deployment of Raven systems across the U.S. armed forces reflects the joint and interoperable nature of this solution."

The 4.2 pound Raven, according to the U.S. Army, has flown approximately 150,000 combat hours in support of U.S. missions in Middle East military theaters.