AeroVironment delivers M1/M2/M5-compatible UAS
AeroVironment has integrated new M1/M2/M5 radio frequencies into its family of small UAS, enabling users to securely conform to the Department of Defense’s (DoD's) new frequency spectrum allocation, the company announced on 19 September.
M1/M2/M5-compatible Raven and Puma AE have been delivered to two DoD customers, and further orders for M1/M2/M5-configured Wasp AE are expected in December 2017 for delivery in 2018.
David Sharpin, vice president of AeroVironment’s tactical UAS business unit, said: ‘By combining all three frequency bands in the same transceiver module, we’ve made it easy for users to select the frequency band associated with the part of the world in which they are operating without having to swap any hardware.’
The company has also introduced its new Pocket Digital Data Link (DDL) AE, a secure digital video and data receiver that also integrates the new M1/M2/M5 radio frequency spectrum.
The Pocket DDL AE facilitates rapid and secure access to a small UAS DDL network. Each unit, with a rugged and waterproof packaging to support tactical operations in a wide range of environmental conditions and difficult urban terrain, has no exterior buttons or displays and is completely controlled through an app.
The system is compatible with the army’s Net Warrior system, and uses a USB interface and XML messaging for control of the radio functions. This enables apps designed for special purposes, such as tactical operations, search and rescue, asset tracking, long-range communications, mission command, and targeting to use Pocket DDL AE to employ small UAS to help perform their tasks more effectively.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures]()
Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
-
![L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms]()
L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms
The new Amorphous software is a universal controller that would allow a single operator to control a swarm of “thousands” of uncrewed systems, from drones to underwater platforms.
-
![ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025]()
ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025
India UAV supplier ideaForge has launched the Netra 5 and Switch V2 drones at Aero India 2025, boasting of enhanced endurance, AI-driven autonomy and improved operational capabilities.
-
![Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market]()
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market
The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
