AeroVironment Enhances Puma UAS Capabilities with Project GOLD for Contested Environments.

On November 14, 2024, AeroVironment (AV) introduced a groundbreaking set of software updates under the name "Project GOLD," designed to enhance the operational capabilities of its Puma 3 AE and Puma LE uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) in highly contested environments. These updates allow Puma systems to maintain reliable navigation and mission performance even when GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) or communication signals are unavailable, degraded, or intentionally disrupted.

Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

These software updates enhance the autonomy and resilience of Puma systems, ensuring the continuity of critical missions without relying heavily on GPS, while improving survivability in hostile areas (Picture source: US DoD)

The Puma 3 AE (All Environment) is a tactical fixed-wing drone developed for reconnaissance and surveillance missions across various environments, including maritime, desert, and urban areas. It features a wingspan of 2.8 meters, weighs 6.8 kg, and provides over 6.5 hours of flight endurance via a quiet electric motor. Its modular payloads include an electro-optical/infrared camera with stabilization and digital zoom, enabling effective day and night operations. The Puma 3 AE is also optimized for use in GNSS-denied or contested conditions, leveraging a Visual Navigation System (VNS). While unarmed, it is well-suited for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions with a tactical range of up to 20 km, supported by an advanced communication system.

The Puma LE (Long Endurance) is an extended version of the Puma, designed for prolonged missions with enhanced payload capabilities. It boasts a wingspan of 4.6 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 10.4 kg, and over 6.5 hours of endurance. The Puma LE is equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems, including protections against GNSS interference and Assured Position Navigation and Timing (APNT) solutions. It can carry payloads up to 6.5 lbs, such as electro-optical/infrared sensors, lightweight radars, or communication relays, increasing its operational versatility. Designed for logistical ease, it can be launched by hand or catapult and retrieved through landing without a runway, making it suitable for complex tactical environments.

These software updates enhance the autonomy and resilience of Puma systems, ensuring the continuity of critical missions without relying heavily on GPS, while improving survivability in hostile areas. The purely software-based upgrades offer a rapid and cost-effective solution for existing fleets without requiring hardware modifications, while new systems will integrate these capabilities as standard.

Project GOLD introduces advanced navigation capabilities for operations in GNSS-denied environments by optimizing APNT systems, enabling Puma 3 AE and Puma LE to navigate accurately and complete missions even in areas where GNSS is compromised or unavailable.

Another key innovation is the integration of a Visual Navigation System (VNS), which ensures continuous operation without GNSS and incorporates spoofing detection and rejection, bolstering operational security.

Communication security has also been significantly enhanced with robust radio features and an updated user interface designed for intuitive and efficient management in complex conditions.

Furthermore, Project GOLD increases the payload capacity of the Puma 3 AE by 60%, raising its total payload capacity to 6.5 pounds. This enhancement broadens its scope for advanced multi-mission applications and strengthens the versatility of Puma systems in the field.

According to Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Uncrewed Systems, these updates aim to enhance the adaptability and resilience of Puma systems for demanding battlefield conditions, enabling forces to maintain operational effectiveness even when critical systems are disrupted.

The Puma 3 AE and Puma LE are deployed by several armed forces worldwide. The Puma 3 AE is used by the Belgian military, which leased the system from the U.S. Army in 2017. Other countries employing this drone include Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Puma LE, meanwhile, has been adopted by the U.S. and British armed forces for extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions.