The United States Army has awarded AeroVironment a $117.3 million contract to supply 82 P550 unmanned aerial systems, aimed at enhancing reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition capabilities for combat units at the battalion level.
The agreement was signed on June 3 and will be managed by the Army Contracting Command, headquartered at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. Delivery of the systems is expected to be completed by July 23, 2026, reflecting the Army’s priority of rapidly integrating new autonomous capabilities into the battlefield.
The P550 is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) drone capable of operating without runways or launch equipment. The aircraft can remain airborne for more than five hours and carry up to 6.8 kg of sensors and mission equipment, enabling extended reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
According to AeroVironment, the system uses artificial intelligence capabilities to assist in target identification and classification. It also features an open architecture that allows the integration of sensors, data links, and third-party software. This flexibility facilitates future upgrades without requiring major modifications to the platform.
The contract is part of the Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) program, created to provide battalion commanders with organic surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities, reducing dependence on systems controlled by higher command levels. The initiative is part of the broader effort to modernize U.S. ground forces and reflects the Pentagon’s growing investment in unmanned systems.
Photos: AeroVironment. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
