Aerovironment Unveils Cutting-Edge Precision Targeting System
AeroVironment, Inc., a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems, has recently upgraded its …
30. September 2025
Aerovironment Unveils Cutting-Edge Precision Targeting System
AeroVironment, Inc., a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems, has recently upgraded its Puma LE small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) with two innovative capabilities: an integrated Laser Target Designator payload and a Universal Gimbal Kit. These enhancements aim to provide military personnel and tactical units with a cutting-edge precision targeting platform and effortless multi-mission flexibility.
The Puma LE SUAS is designed for operations in harsh environments, making it an ideal platform for dismounted troops, special operations forces, and militaries worldwide. With its compact Group 2 airframe, the Puma LE is capable of delivering unmatched portability and modular adaptability. The addition of the Laser Target Designator Kit transforms the Puma LE into a precision targeting platform, allowing operators to rapidly identify and designate targets.
The Laser Target Designator Kit features Trillium Engineering’s HD59 Laser Target Designator payload, which provides a 50mj STANAG 3733-compliant laser designator, an electro-optical (EO) camera, mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensor, long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor with See Spot. This advanced lightweight EO/IR gimbal system delivers unmatched capability in the 2kg payload class, enabling operators to identify and designate targets at long ranges during both day and night.
The integration of this payload into the Puma LE SUAS has significant implications for military operations. Traditional laser designators are typically large, heavy, and require extensive support, limiting their deployment on smaller platforms. The lightweight and versatile design of Trillium’s HD59 Laser Designator payload makes it an ideal solution for tactical units that require precision targeting capabilities.
“Battlefields are dynamic, and mission requirements can change within minutes,” said Jason Hendrix, vice president and general manager of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems at AV. “The Universal Gimbal Kit ensures Puma LE remains mission-relevant by enabling payload reconfiguration in minutes, empowering forces to deploy the right sensor for any tactical need.”
The Universal Gimbal Kit allows operators to rapidly integrate a variety of gimballed payloads directly onto the Puma LE airframe without depot-level support. This flexibility enables tactical units to adapt quickly to changing mission requirements and ensures that the Puma LE remains effective in a wide range of environments.
With the Trillium HD59 payload, the Puma LE provides over 3.5 hours of flight endurance, enabling dynamic, multi-domain missions. The combination of precision targeting capabilities and unmatched portability makes the Puma LE an attractive solution for militaries worldwide.
The integration of the Laser Target Designator Kit and Universal Gimbal Kit into the Puma LE SUAS demonstrates AV’s commitment to providing military personnel with cutting-edge technology that enhances their operational effectiveness. By delivering a significant tactical advantage, these upgrades position the Puma LE as a premier platform for precision targeting and multi-mission flexibility.
The collaboration between AV and Trillium Engineering has resulted in a powerful, lightweight, multi-sensor EO/IR gimbal system that enhances operational independence and effectiveness. As militaries continue to evolve and require more adaptable and responsive systems, platforms like the Puma LE SUAS will play an increasingly important role.
In the coming years, it is likely that we will see even more advanced unmanned aircraft systems being developed, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous navigation. As these systems become more prevalent on the battlefield, they will require sophisticated sensors and payload configurations to remain effective.
The Puma LE SUAS with its integrated Laser Target Designator Kit and Universal Gimbal Kit represents an important step forward in this evolution. By providing military personnel with precision targeting capabilities and unmatched portability, AV has positioned itself at the forefront of unmanned aircraft system development.
AV’s commitment to delivering advanced technology to support military operations is evident in the Puma LE SUAS upgrades. The company’s focus on innovation and adaptability enables it to stay ahead of evolving threats and maintain its position as a leader in the unmanned aircraft systems market.
The integration of the Laser Target Designator Kit and Universal Gimbal Kit into the Puma LE SUAS has significant implications for military operations, enabling tactical units to operate with enhanced precision and flexibility. As militaries continue to evolve and require more adaptable systems, platforms like the Puma LE SUAS will play an increasingly important role in supporting their operational effectiveness.
The future of unmanned aircraft systems is likely to be shaped by advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous navigation. Platforms like the Puma LE SUAS with integrated payloads will continue to play a critical role in supporting military operations, providing precision targeting capabilities and unmatched portability.
As militaries continue to face evolving threats, they require systems that can adapt quickly to changing mission requirements. The Puma LE SUAS with its Laser Target Designator Kit and Universal Gimbal Kit represents an important step forward in this evolution, providing military personnel with cutting-edge technology that enhances their operational effectiveness.
The integration of the Laser Target Designator Kit and Universal Gimbal Kit into the Puma LE SUAS demonstrates AV’s commitment to delivering advanced technology to support military operations. By providing a significant tactical advantage, these upgrades position the Puma LE as a premier platform for precision targeting and multi-mission flexibility.