Marines getting Wasp AE UAVs

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MONROVIA, Calif., Jan. 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps is receiving AeroVironment's Wasp AE small unmanned aerial system, together with its miniature gimbaled payloads.

The order for the UAS was given late last year by the U.S. Navy Air Systems Command's Program Office for Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

The award, worth $12 million to AeroVironment, was first given to PAR Government Systems Corp., which then tapped AeroVironment for the systems and services, including training and logistics.

"We introduced the Wasp AE in May of 2012 with the expectation that multiple customers would find its capabilities very compelling," said Roy Minson, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment.

"These contracts supporting the United States Marine Corps expand the adoption of Wasp AE beyond the Air Force and support our view that this highly capable successor to the proven Wasp III system will help our customers operate more safely and effectively."

AeroVironment didn't disclose the number of systems it was providing but said deliveries would be completed by the end of January.