AeroVironment has delivered its initial batch of P550 autonomous Group 2 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) small unmanned aircraft systems to the U.S. Army under the Long-Range Reconnaissance (LRR) program. The delivery includes multiple systems as well as training support for operators and trainers to prepare units for operational use.
The P550 will be fielded with Transformation in Contact (TiC) brigades and other designated units. According to AeroVironment, the aircraft was developed with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to accommodate varied payloads, radios, and power sources.
Trace Stevenson, president of AeroVironment’s Autonomous Systems division, said:
“We are proud to deliver the P550 to Army units, empowering warfighters with a system that can quickly adapt to fluid combat scenarios, providing unmatched reliability and flexibility. Our team remains committed to supporting the Army with seamless delivery, training, and sustainment to ensure these systems are ready when needed.”
The P550 weighs 55 pounds at take-off, can carry payloads up to 15 pounds, and has an endurance of up to five hours on battery power. It can be reconfigured in under five minutes without tools, including hot-swapping payloads and batteries. The company states that the system incorporates artificial intelligence and autonomous functions to improve situational awareness, targeting, and strike capabilities.
As part of the first delivery, AeroVironment provided new equipment training and a “train-the-trainer” program to Army personnel. Master trainers completed evaluations to support rapid integration into operational units.
AeroVironment noted that additional deliveries are scheduled to meet evolving Army requirements.
