- Groundbreaking development in the evolution of small unmanned aircraft systems; advanced solar cells increase hand-launched Puma AE endurance by 350 percent
- Far-reaching implications for small UAS utility in military, public safety and commercial uses
- Alta Devices cutting-edge mobile power technology produces ample power with minimal added weight
AeroVironment announced that a recent outdoor test flight of a solar-powered prototype version of the company’s proven Puma AE small unmanned aircraft system (UAS), operating with the company’s newest long-endurance battery, lasted 9 hours, 11 minutes – significantly longer than the flight endurance of small UAS being used in the field today. AeroVironment is working with Alta Devices, a Sunnyvale, Calif. company that provides flexible, portable power that can be embedded into any other material, in the development of the solar Puma AE.
Using a proprietary and highly differentiated technology, Alta Devices manufactures the world's thinnest and highest efficiency solar cells using Gallium Arsenide. This technology significantly extends the battery life of any application, in many cases eliminating the need to recharge from the grid because it converts more light into electricity.
Puma AE is a efficient and rugged hand-launched workhorse for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). This solar-power enhancement makes it even more indispensible for U.S. and allied military, as well as for domestic public safety applications, such as firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, oil and gas field monitoring, and other commercial needs.
The solar Puma AE configuration currently is in the research and development phase. A production version is planned for early 2014.
The 13-pound Puma AE is fully waterproof, man-portable and can be assembled in minutes, hand-launched and operated on sea or land by a team of two people. It requires no infrastructure, such as runways or launching pads. In addition, the system is quiet and operates autonomously, providing persistent observation data.
