U.S. Special Ops chooses Puma UAVs

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MONROVIA, Calif., Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. military's Special Operations Command has ordered digital Puma All Environment unmanned aircraft systems from AeroVironment Inc.

The order, under an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract, is worth $35.3 million, the company said.

"The battle-proven Puma system will now play an important new role helping troops operate more effectively and safely as they travel through dangerous territory," said Tom Herring, senior vice president and general manager of AV's UAS segment. "The Puma system is a portable, hand-launched UAS that will enhance soldier capabilities by producing aerial high-quality color and infrared video of the surrounding area."

USSOCOM selected the Puma UAS in 2008. Each Puma system consists of three air vehicles and two ground control systems. The all-weather air vehicle carries an integrated electro-optical and infrared gimbaled video camera. It weighs 13 pounds, is battery-powered and has a flight endurance of 2 hours.

AeroVironment said the order includes spares and training.