AeroVironment presented two new rotary-winged vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI 2019) exhibition in London, U.K. as it seeks its first non-US sales for the aircraft.
The VAPOR all-electric Helicopter UAS uses military grade components and has fully automatic flight operation which allows VAPOR to complete missions without operator intervention, with dynamic re-tasking to provide safety, reliability and adaptable mission execution. With an expansive modular payload bay, VAPOR is multi-mission capable with access to a variety of integrated sensors and third-party payloads including gimbaled EO/IR, survey grade PPK mapping, LiDAR and hyperspectral sensors, and an available drop/delivery mechanism. Every VAPOR is powered by proprietary HeliSynth™ technology for system level optimization including advanced autopilot, payload command and control, and endurance.
Multiple VAPOR all-electric Helicopter UAS options are now available, enabling customers to choose the right configuration based on mission requirements, with the flexibility to create custom configurations that incorporate end-user provided equipment.
The VAPOR 35 with a gross takeoff weight (GTOW) of 32 lbs, 14.5 kg, features an aerodynamic 3-blade rotor design and high energy lithium-polymer batteries to deliver up to one hour of flight time, all in a single case mission configuration with economical one-man lift packout.
The VAPOR 55 with a GTOW of 55 lbs, 24.9 kg, has been designed to satisfy complex operational requirements. Heavy lift capable with up to 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) of usable payload weight (belly, side or slung), VAPOR 55 is single or multiple payload capable with access to a variety of integrated sensors, drop/delivery mechanism and third-party payload options.
