Matthew Nelson
AeroVironment has introduced an antenna technology built to provide a 360-degree coverage area for small unmanned aerial system operators during maritime missions.
The 360 Multi-Sector Antenna is designed to help commanding officers on board ships to manage the Puma AE drone within a 12.42-mile nominal range and collect intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data, the company said Wednesday.
The system automatically shifts to different patches and analyzes downlink data levels to facilitate continuous command and control functions through an integrated array of 24 auto-selective antennas.
The company noted it will offer the device in M3/4/6 operating bands and begin taking orders for the device in the fall.
AeroVironment also offers a long-range tracking antenna designed to extend the range of digital data link-equipped Puma drones to 37.28 miles.
