AeroVironment has unveiled an unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft system being pitched for the US Army’s long-range reconnaissance program.
Called the P550, the platform has a modular design that supports rapid adaptation to evolving battlefield conditions. It can be reconfigured on the field for various tasks, from reconnaissance to strike missions, without any external tools.
It is a Group 2 unmanned aircraft in the weight category of 21 to 55 pounds (10 to 25 kilograms) with a maximum operational altitude of 3,500 feet (1,067 meters).
‘Adaptable, Field-Reconfigurable Design’
According to AeroVironment, the drone’s payload capacity of 15 pounds (7 kilograms) and endurance of 5 hours enable it to “deliver critical intelligence gathering, precision targeting, and force protection in dynamic and contested environments.”
AeroVironment’s senior vice president and general manager of Uncrewed Systems Trace Stevenson further stated that “Warfighters today require systems that can quickly adapt to fluid combat scenarios, providing unmatched reliability and flexibility.”
“P550 meets these needs through an adaptable, field-reconfigurable design that allows rapid, on-the-fly adjustments for evolving operational requirements.”
Modular Open Systems Approach
The drone’s open, scalable architecture allows the integration of third-party payloads, datalinks, ground control systems, and mission software.
For enhanced lethality, it supports the integration of offensive capabilities, including laser designation, sensor-to-shooter functionalities, and proven munitions.
The P550 is equipped with AeroVironment’s SPOTR-Edge Automatic Target Recognition and AVACORE software suite for onboard edge computing.
The AI capabilities allow the drone to “autonomously detect and classify operationally relevant objects — ranging from personnel and vehicles to aircraft and maritime vessels — day or night, ultimately enhancing situational awareness and tactical decision-making on the battlefield.”