AeroVironment introduces Extended Range Antenna for UAS

December 10, 2020 | AUVSI News

AeroVironment has introduced the latest addition to its growing line of network connectivity solutions, the Extended Range Antenna (ERA).

A lightweight, portable antenna array kit, the ERA is designed to integrate seamlessly with AeroVironment’s standard RF head antenna to support a diverse range of missions.

“AeroVironment continues to incorporate direct customer and user feedback into our product development investments to address increasingly complex and dynamic mission requirements,” says Rick Pedigo, AeroVironment vice president of sales and business development.

“Not only do operators benefit from available options in terms of UAS capabilities, but they can also benefit from a selection of antenna options that are portable, easy to operate and provide extended range and multi-mission capabilities.”

The ERA add-on kit narrows the antenna beam width, which extends the command and control range up to 24.9 miles with minimal impact to its size, weight and power (SWAP) footprint. The ERA is manually positioned, similar to the standard RF head antenna.

With the included RF unit switch, users can toggle between omnidirectional mode, for short-range operations, and extended range mode, for longer-range operations. AeroVironment notes that the ERA supports both M1/2/5 and M3/4/6 Digital Data Link (DDL) operating bands.

UAS flight operators can immediately expand their operational capabilities by adding the ERA kit to their existing AeroVironment RF antenna. This allows them to gain actionable battlefield intelligence at greater stand-off range to maximize their stealth and safety.

When used in combination with other AeroVironment network connectivity options, the ERA provides an enhanced level of operational flexibility, which enables teams to coordinate command and control transfer of UAS, such as Puma LE, easily over greater distances. This maximizes the aircraft’s multi-mission capabilities, in day or night operations, across dynamically changing environments.