The developers have released a set of tracks that allow you to launch the Puma UAV from anywhere.
Manufacturer AeroVironment has improved the Puma drones by adding vertical take-off and landing capabilities. Details are reported by Inside unmanned systems.
The company has introduced a parts kit that allows you to convert a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, the Puma 3 AE (All Enviroment) or Puma 2, into a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) vehicle in minutes. It consists of two rods, one-time mounts, an airplane module with feet, motor and propeller, and works on the “plug and play” principle.
“If you need to do VTOL, put the booms in. If you want to run the Puma in conventional mode, that’s the way it’s always been,” said Scott Newbern, VP and Chief Technology Officer of AeroVironment at XPONENTIAL 2023. Puma 2 or Puma 3 already in service, the kit can be retrofitted and compatible.”
He added that the VTOL system makes it much easier to operate the Puma, especially in urban areas or where GPS doesn’t work. After the complex is set up, the drone doesn’t need a 100m runway to take off, it just needs about 16 m2 or less of free space. The operating time of the VTOL system is between 1.2 hours and 1.5 hours, depending on the battery type.
The VTOL system complements the other enhancements of the Puma 3 AE. The drone also received an upgraded motor that accelerates lift by up to 26% in heavier configurations. Mantis replaceable payload module increases flight time to 2.5 hours for day and night operations. In addition, the developers have updated the data channels for the entire Puma series and added a visual navigation system VNS.
“We recently introduced an upgraded ground control station called Chrysalis,” Newburn explained. “This is a tablet-based system. It’s already integrated for Puma’s VTOL.”
In 2022, Ukraine purchased 11 PUMA-LE (Long Endurance) aircraft from Aeroviroment for 540 million UAH. The model is equipped with optical and thermal cameras with 6x zoom, which allows you to detect the enemy in all weather conditions, day and night. The flight time of the device is 6 hours.
In February, it was reported that Ukraine will receive Puma 20 unmanned aerial vehicles from the USA, will lift up to 13.5 kg of payload in the form of various reconnaissance equipment and stay in the air for up to 14 hours.
Source: Focus
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