Puma 3 AE (d5b1f50f-8524-5677-9ece-8e7fe270f67f)
The Puma 3 AE is AeroVironment’s third‑generation, all‑environment mini‑UAV (CLASS I: mini, ISR) fielded by the United States. Weighing 6.8 kg with a 2.8 m wingspan, it can be hand‑launched or rail‑launched and recovered by autonomous deep‑stall landing, enabling rapid deployment in confined or maritime settings. Powered by an electric motor and a high‑energy‑density LE battery, the platform offers 2.5 h (standard) to 3 h (PS2500 battery) endurance and a top speed of 47‑83 km/h. Its Mantis i45 gimbal payload provides dual 15 MP EO cameras, 50× optical zoom, IR and low‑light sensors, plus an 860 nm laser illuminator, all transmitted over AES‑256‑encrypted links to a common GCS (Raven/Wasp AE). The Puma 3 AE delivers precise intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) for force‑protection, overwatch and situational awareness across land and sea, supporting US Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Border Patrol operations.