AeroVironment Awarded CBP Contract for Puma Surveillance UAS

AeroVironment has secured a $5.3M contract to deliver units of a small unmanned aircraft system and support tools to a branch within U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The company said Tuesday it will provide U.S. Border Patrol with Puma 3 AE systems under the firm fixed-price contract.

Puma 3 AE units are designed to provide surveillance imagery while operating day or night in austere environments. These aircraft systems feature automation and GPS navigation, and are also geared to support humanitarian operations.

“Operating on the nation’s front line, U.S. Border Patrol agents deploy the AeroVironment Puma system day or night from a safe distance to scan a border area for activity and then use that information to respond more quickly, more stealthily and with less risk,” said Rick Pedigo, vice president of business development at AeroVironment.

AeroVironment incorporated the Mantis i45 sensor suite into the UAS to deliver longer flight times and boosted imaging performance.