AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma
| RQ-20 Puma | |
|---|---|
| Role | Remote controlled UAS |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 2007 |
| Primary users | United States Army United States Marine Corps |
| Number built | 1000+ |
The AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma is a small, battery powered, American hand-launched unmanned aircraft system produced by AeroVironment based in California. Primary mission is surveillance and intelligence gathering using an electro-optical and infrared video camera.
Previously selected for the United States Special Operations Command in 2008, in March 2012 the United States Army ordered the Puma All Environment (AE) and designated it the RQ-20A. [1] In April, the United States Marine Corps and United States Air Force placed a similar order for the RQ-20A.[2][3] Each military RQ-20A system has three air vehicles and two ground stations.[1]
Variants
- RQ-20A Puma
- Military designation for the Puma All Environment variant.
Operators
- United States Special Operations Command
- United States Army - 325 systems, one per infantry company and 18 per brigade[4]
- United States Marine Corps
- United States Air Force
Specification
Data from [5]Puma AE data sheet
General characteristics
- Length: 4 ft 7 in (1.4 m)
- Wingspan: 9 ft 2 in (2.8 m)
- Max takeoff weight: 13 lb (5.9 kg)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 52 mph (83 km/h, 45 kn)
- Minimum control speed: 23 mph (37 km/h, 20 kn)
- Range: 9.3 mi (15 km, 8.1 nmi)
- Endurance: 2 hours
See also
References
- ^ a b U.S. Army Places $20.4 Million Order for AeroVironment RQ-20A Puma AE Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- ^ U.S. Marine Corps First to Procure Four Different AeroVironment Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems with $5.5 Million RQ-20A Puma Order
- ^ USAF and USMC orders - Defense Industry Daily
- ^ Puma numbers - Strategypage.com, February 19, 2013
- ^ Puma AE data sheet