For the Sophisticated Warfighter

AeroVironment, the Arlington, Virginia-based American defense contractor engaged in the design, development, and manufacture of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), has announced the launch of its next-generation VAPOR UAV—the VAPOR 55 MX—a helicopter-style machine optimized for defense, commercial, and industrial missions.

As drones go, the VAPOR 55 MX is robust—measuring 6-feet by 2.2-feet by 2.1-feet; massing a stout 65-pound maximum (military) gross takeoff weight (MGTOW); and offering users a usable payload of up to 22-pounds.

In keeping with fundamental Newtonian principles, the VAPOR 55 MX’s heft begets a leisurely 28-knot maximum groundspeed. What the contraption lacks in all out speed, however, it atones for in a maximum peak wind operational speed of 40-knots, a service ceiling of 12,000-feet MSL, and a 75-minute endurance period.

Operating at the FAA’s 55-pound maximum gross take-off weight restriction for commercial UAVs, the VAPOR 55 MX is capable of carrying a 12-pound payload for up to 70-minutes.

AeroVironment’s design expertise manifests in the VAPOR 55 MX’s all-electric, all-weather, conventional main-rotor/anti-torque-rotor core architecture—which features easy vehicle assembly and disassembly, a telescoping tail and landing-gear, and simplified in-field maintenance. Payload flexibility is facilitated by a tool-free rail-system for integration of third-party or custom payloads.

The VAPOR 55 MX can be flown automatically or manually by means of a live GPS, full-authority, modular ground-control unit, which is compatible with low-cost encrypted radio but can be swapped out for a hardened military transmit/receive package.

AeroVironment vice president and product-line general manager for small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) states: “The new VAPOR 55 MX is an easy-to-maintain system … allowing users to adapt to multi-sensor, multi-mission requirements including utility inspection, aerial surveying, public safety and defense applications.”

AeroVironment’s VAPOR 55 MX provides significant force protection and force multiplication benefits to small tactical units and security personnel, as well as greater safety, scalability, and cost-savings to commercial operators.

AeroVironment provides turnkey intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and support services that ensure users a consistently high level of mission success. The company has delivered tens-of-thousands of new and replacement UAVs to customers within the United States and more than fifty allied nations.

FMI: www.avinc.com/uas