September 30, 2025.
September 30, 2025 — Leads & Copy — AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) has launched capability enhancements for its Puma™ LE small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS), featuring an integrated Laser Target Designator payload and Universal Gimbal Kit.
The Laser Target Designator Kit transforms the Puma LE into a precision targeting platform, while the Universal Gimbal Kit enhances operational flexibility by enabling rapid, field-swappable payload configurations.
Trace Stevenson, president of Autonomous Systems at AV, stated that the integration of a laser target designator into the Puma LE provides a significant tactical advantage, allowing operators to transition from reconnaissance to precision target designation using a lightweight, man-portable system.
The system features Trillium Engineering’s HD59 Laser Target Designator payload, integrating a 50mj STANAG 3733-compliant laser designator, EO camera, mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensor, long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor with See Spot.
Matt Carreon, Vice President of Business Development at Trillium Engineering, noted that the collaboration brings a powerful, lightweight, multi-sensor EO/IR gimbal system to the field, enabling precision laser designation previously confined to larger platforms.
Jason Hendrix, vice president and general manager of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems at AV, explained that the Universal Gimbal Kit ensures Puma LE remains mission-relevant by enabling payload reconfiguration in minutes.
Puma LE, a rugged, ultra-lightweight Group 2 aircraft, provides over 3.5 hours of flight endurance, making it suitable for operations in harsh environments and dynamic, multi-domain missions.
Contact:
www.avinc.com
Source: AeroVironment, Inc.
