AeroVironment contracted for UAS logistics

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MONROVIA, Calif., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- AeroVironment Inc. will provide contractor logistics support for Raven unmanned aircraft systems in use with the U.S. Army.

The cost-plus-fixed-fee order was given by the Army under an existing contract and is worth $15.9 million.

"Raven unmanned aircraft systems continue to provide valuable situational awareness directly to our warfighters, increasing mission effectiveness and safety," said Tom Herring, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of unmanned aircraft systems.

"We remain focused on providing our customers with battle-proven Raven systems and support services to enable success."

The Raven unmanned aircraft is a 4.2-pound, backpackable, hand-launched sensor platform that 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.

U.S. armed forces use Raven systems extensively for missions such as base security, route reconnaissance, mission planning and force protection. Each Raven system typically consists of three aircraft, two ground control stations and spares.