AeroVironment reveals all-electric UAS
VAPOR 55 MX has 25% more endurance and expanded payload capacity when compared to its predecessor. (Photo: AeroVironment)
The new all-electric AeroVironment UAS helicopter, named VAPOR 55 MX, has an increased endurance and expanded payload capacity.
AeroVironment has launched its next-generation helicopter UAS, called VAPOR 55 MX.
The new aircraft delivers new levels of operational performance with redesigned modular autonomy framework, the company noted in a 13 September statement.
VAPOR 55 MX has 25% more endurance and expanded payload capacity when compared to its predecessor.
AeroVironment claims the system can carry up to 12lb (5.4kg) of payload with more than 70 minutes of flight endurance while still maintaining a 55lb gross take-off weight.
The payload can be doubled for defence customers with compromised endurance.
The UAS can be configured to support a variety of mission requirements.
Its modular payload bay and multi-sensor capacity allow for a wide range of sensors including gimbaled EO/IR, multispectral, LIDAR, Comms relay and SIGINT.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![How Chinese advancements will impact the future development of the US Air Force fleet]()
How Chinese advancements will impact the future development of the US Air Force fleet
US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has said that China would continue to be a “problem” for the development of the service’s fleet over the coming decades.
-
![Royal Thai Air Forces’ bid for Saab’s Gripens backed by defence minister]()
Royal Thai Air Forces’ bid for Saab’s Gripens backed by defence minister
The Thai government minister expressed confidence in the aircraft type, noting that a decision on the selection process between the Gripen and F-16 would be “made soon”.
-
![GCAP needs to “avoid mistakes” of previous programmes to meet 2035 date, states UK Defence Committee]()
GCAP needs to “avoid mistakes” of previous programmes to meet 2035 date, states UK Defence Committee
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) report highlighted issues with opening the programme to other international partners, as well as notable gaps in future training requirement for the sixth-generation aircraft.
