-
Tern intended as next-generation, mid-altitude, long-endurance
unmanned aircraft system (UAS)
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AeroVironment-led team of industry experts incorporating advanced
technologies to develop new UAS for agile maritime operations
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Contract valued at $19 million
MONROVIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
AeroVironment,
Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) announced the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) has selected the company and its team of industry leaders
to follow its successful phase I concept design effort with a phase II
preliminary design for the Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node, or
Tern. The 12-month, $19,035,007 phase II effort seeks to conclude with
subscale flight demonstrations prior to a planned phase III award
decision.
AeroVironment selected industry partners with uniquely relevant
experience and capabilities for the Tern program, including large
aircraft avionics, ship integration and propulsion expertise. Advanced
technologies form the basis of the team's unique approach to realizing
DARPA's program objectives.
DARPA and the U.S. Office of Naval Research envision a new concept of
operations using smaller ships as mobile launch and recovery sites for
medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAS. Tern aims to make it much
easier, quicker and less expensive for the Navy and Marine Corps to
deploy persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)
and strike capabilities almost anywhere in the world.
"Our team represents the best combination of relevant expertise and
technology leadership to make Tern a reality," said Roy Minson,
AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of its UAS
business segment. "Our innovative approach to achieving DARPA's
objectives for Tern holds the promise of an entirely new category of
unmanned aircraft system that could operate more quickly and effectively
by deploying from smaller naval vessels for longer, more distant
missions. We look forward to demonstrating this new capability to help
protect our naval forces and those of our allies affordably and
effectively."
About AeroVironment
AeroVironment is a technology solutions
provider that designs, develops, produces, supports and operates an
advanced portfolio of Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (UAS) and electric transportation solutions. The
company's electric-powered, hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems
generate and process data to deliver powerful insight, on-demand, to
people engaged in military, public safety and commercial activities
around the world. Global
Observer® is a hybrid-electric,
stratospheric UAS designed to provide affordable, persistent
reconnaissance and communication over any location on the globe. The Switchblade®
tactical missile system enables the infantry squad and other customers
with increased lethality, reach and force protection through its rapid
deployment, direct fire and collateral damage avoidance capabilities.
AeroVironment's electric transportation solutions include a
comprehensive suite of electric
vehicle (EV) charging systems, installation and network services for
consumers, automakers, utilities and government agencies, power
cycling and test systems for EV developers and industrial
electric vehicle charging systems for commercial fleets. More
information about AeroVironment is available at www.avinc.com.
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release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and
assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological
factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or
actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability
to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; our
reliance on sales to the U.S. government; changes in the timing and/or
amount of government spending; changes in the supply and/or demand
and/or prices for our products and services; changes in the regulatory
environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in
which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to
develop new products or integrate new technology with current products;
and general economic and business conditions in the United States and
elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks
and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form
10-K and Quarterly Reports on 10-Q. We do not intend, and undertake no
obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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AeroVironment, Inc.
Steven Gitlin,+1-626-357-9983
pr@avinc.com
or
For
AeroVironment, Inc.
Mark Boyer, +1-310-229-5956
mark@boyersyndicate.com
Source: AeroVironment, Inc.
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