AeroVironment has received a $17,356,084 firm-fixed-price contract to provide an allied nation with its Puma AE II small UAS, training and support.

Delivery of the fully man-portable drone is expected by September 2019.

Designed for land and maritime operations, the AeroVironment Puma AE can land in water or on land. Equipped with its Mantis i45 sensor suite, the all-environment UAS provides the operator with extended flight time and a level of imaging capability never before available in the small UAS class, according to AeroVironment.

“The combat-proven Puma AE delivers rapid and effective tactical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance in a wide range of operating environments – over land and sea – providing the actionable intelligence to help customers proceed with certainty,” says David Sharpin, vice president, sales and business development for AeroVironment.

“This contract award is another indication of the unique capabilities and value international customers recognize in our small UAS solutions.”

AeroVironment notes that its family of small UAS makes up the majority of all UAS in the United States Department of Defense inventory. The company also has a rapidly growing international customer base that includes more than 45 allied governments.