AeroVironment releases Puma VNS for GPS-contested drone navigation
Puma sUAS operators will be able to deploy the aircraft in GPS-contested environments with Puma VNS, says AeroVironment. (Photo: AeroVironment)
AeroVironment has launched a new visual-based navigation system to enable UAS operations in contested electromagnetic environments.
Puma VNS is designed to determine the precise location of a UAV in flight without relying on GPS. It features a suite of look-down sensors to gather imagery and track terrain features, plus an embedded computing module ‘to process and determine the precise location of an aircraft while it is in flight’, AeroVironment noted in a 15 September statement.
Puma VNS is available as an add-on optional feature for the Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE sUASs and as a retrofit kit for fielded systems.
AeroVironment added that it expects to implement hardware and software upgrades to Puma VNS that will provide operators with continually advanced navigation capabilities, features and functionality. The system will also enable the integration of future autonomy capabilities.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.