3. Introduction
• The Avinc Puma AE (all environment) is a compact, robust and lightweight remote-
controlled unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed and manufactured by Aero
Vironment (AV) to meet the requirements of US Special Operations Command
(USSOCOM).
• It captures high-resolution imagery or critical videos of the battlefield and transmits
them to a ground control station (GCS) through a line of sight data link.
• It is a third-generation man-portable and hand-launched vehicle and can land
automatically on land or water.
• The vehicle can perform a wide range of operations including battle damage
assessment, maritime intervention operations, visit board search seizure, search and
rescue, port and coastal patrolling and drug interdiction.
4.
5. Design
• The Puma has been designed to execute military and civilian operations in the
day and night.
• The UAV's robust airframe design allows it to operate in adverse weather
conditions.
• The vehicle is fitted with a two-blade propeller at the front section of nose.
• It also incorporates ProCore fuel cell system certified by Protonex Technology.
• The hydrogen generation technology deployed in the vehicle is supplied by
Millennium Cell.
6.
7. Features
• Flying at a maximum altitude of 500ft, the UAV offers high-resolution colour,
infrared imagery or videos to the GCS and remote viewing units.
• Each Puma comprises three unmanned aerial vehicles and two GCCs.
• The GCS can be assembled or disassembled in few minutes.
• The GCS can acts as a remote video terminal when installed at remote
locations.
• In August 2011, the USSOCOM awarded a $65.5m contract to Aerovironment
to supply a new digital Puma AE and initial spare packages under the AECV
ID/ 'IQ programme.
8.
9. Navigation Sensors & GCS
• The UAV is fitted with high-resolution electro-optic and infra-red sensors. These
waterproof sensor packages provide image tracking, image stabilization and
high-image quality.
• It can take off and land automatically using a programmed global positioning
system or an inertial navigation system.
• The processing, retrieving, storing and monitoring of the metadata offered by
the Puma AE are carried out at the GCS.
• Communication between the GCS and the Puma takes place through a
global positioning system within a range of 15km.
10.
11. Specifications
• Payloads: Gimbaled payload, 360 degree continuous pan, +10 to -
90 degrees tilt, stabilized EO, IR camera, and IR
Illuminator all in one modular payload.
• Range: 15 km
• Endurance: 2 hours
• Speed: 37-83 km/h, 20 to 45 knots
• Operating Altitude (Typ.): 500 ft. (152 m) AGL
• Wing Span: 9.2 ft. (2.8 m)
• Length: 4.6 ft. (1.4 m)
• Weight: 13 lbs (5.9 kg)
• GCS: Common GCS with Raven and Wasp
• Launch Method: Hand-launched
• Recovery Method: Autonomous or manual deep-stall landing
