WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Three-dozen Maveric micro-unmanned aerial systems by Prioria Robotics Inc. are being produced and rushed to U.S. troops as part of an urgent request.
The U.S. Army's Rapid Equipping Force, which issued the $4.5 million contract to Prioria Robotics, said the request was made by soldiers in a theater of operations but gave no additional details.
The hand-launched Maveric, which is not part of the service's UAS inventory, has a wingspan of just 28 inches, a loaded weight of 2.5 pounds and a cruise speed of 26 knots. It can be flown for one hour before it has to be refueled.
Maveric, which will be used for reconnaissance and surveillance, is for squad-level use rather than company-level use, such as the larger Raven and Puma systems.
"Puma and Raven are both dependable systems," said Tami Johnson, project manager, Rapid Equipping Force. "However, this requirement called for a small, subtle capability that could be employed by a single soldier. Maveric meets this unique requirement."
The Army said it has no plans to procure additional Maveric systems but could do so, depending on soldier feedback and requirements.
Deliveries of the Maveric to troops in theater will begin next month.
