AeroVironment (AV) has rolled out major upgrades to the Puma LE drone, adding a laser designator that marks targets with infrared light and a universal gimbal kit for rapid payload swaps.
The upgrade aims to expand the functions of the small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS), from standard intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to precision targeting.
“With a laser target designator now integrated into the Puma LE, we are delivering a significant tactical advantage,” said AV’s Autonomous Systems President Trace Stevenson.
“Operators can now seamlessly transition from reconnaissance to precision target designation using the same lightweight, man-portable system — a capability previously reserved for larger, more complex platforms.”
‘Multi-Mission Flexibility’
The Puma LE drone now carries Trillium Engineering’s HD59, an advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) gimbal system that weighs only 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds).
The payload features a NATO-standard 50-millijoule laser designator, an EO/IR camera, and a suite of sensors for day-and-night target identification.
The gimbal kit also allows operators to quickly insert various plug-and-play payloads directly into the Puma LE system without the need for specialized tools.
“We are proud to partner with AV on the integration of our HD59 Laser Designator payload for the Puma LE,” said Trillium Vice President of Business Development Matt Carreon.
“The lightweight and versatile design of our payload, combined with Puma LE’s unmatched portability, will empower tactical teams to identify and designate targets, dramatically enhancing their operational independence and effectiveness.”
Keeping Puma LE ‘Mission-Relevant’
The “throw-and-go” Puma LE weighs just over 24 pounds (11 kilograms) and can be launched by hand or bungee.
It can stay airborne for 6.5 hours within a 60-kilometer (37.3-mile) operating range, surveying land and maritime regions using AV’s long-range tracking antenna.
Operators can also switch between the company’s integrated Mantis i45 and i45-N imaging systems, streamlining transitions from day to night operations.
AV described the newly-upgraded Puma LE as a rugged system built for demanding environments.
“Battlefields are dynamic, and mission requirements can change within minutes,” AV’s SUAS Vice President Jason Hendrix said. “The Universal Gimbal Kit ensures Puma LE remains mission-relevant by enabling payload reconfiguration in minutes, empowering forces to deploy the right sensor for any tactical need.”
