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AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma

2008 MODERN AIRCRAFT DRONE TECHNOLOGY

History of the AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma

The AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma is one of many intelligence gathering Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) currently in service with the US military. The aircraft first flew in 2007 and was adopted by U.S. Special Operations Command (commonly known as "Special Operations Command") in 2008 as part of the All-Environmental Capability Variant (AECV) program.

As of 2013, Puma continued to be used at the operational level on the front line and in partnership with various U.S. departments, including Special Forces. The use of this unmanned aerial system has since expanded to include the U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps.

More than 1,000 units of this type are now produced by California-based AeroVironment. In US nomenclature, the Puma is designated "RQ-20A".

Unlike other acclaimed drones like the Predator and Reaper, the Puma maintains a very small and compact form factor for maximum portability. Its primary mission policy is surveillance and intelligence gathering for planned response, while airborne systems can also be used for target acquisition. Its full mission scope is recognized as "ISRT" ("Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting"). The payload is modular so it can be adapted to customer requirements. The Puma is designed to be completely waterproof to protect vital systems like the battery compartment, allowing the Puma to operate equally effectively on water.

Standard equipment includes a stabilized electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) camera with infrared illumination, while the payload is a gimbal allowing continuous 360-degree scanning. Propulsion is provided by a conventional engine that turns a twin-blade propeller unit mounted on the front of the fuselage.

Its noise level is fairly low, allowing the Puma to be ignored by targets on the ground. The wing includes a high-mounted main assembly with a unique external V-shape and traditional single-fin tail. Puma is small enough to be managed by one operator in the field, while another operator manages the ground control station (GCS). Unlike other large unmanned aerial systems, the Puma is launched manually and recovers with a simple deep stall landing.

Since Puma is waterproof, it can also be dropped in water and recycled if necessary. The entire Puma system includes three aircraft and GCS units and requires no additional equipment.

The overall length of the cougar is 4 feet 7 inches, with a wingspan of 9 feet 2 inches. Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is specified at 13 lbs only. With its onboard propulsion system, the Cougar can travel at 52 mph in a range of 9 miles. The flight time is two hours. Despite these seemingly bland specs compared to their big brothers, the Puma is a budget-conscious alternative to the big Predator and Reaper dudes.

Puma is also part of AeroVironment's established line of UAS vehicles, which includes the Raven and Wasp, both capable of using the same deployed GCS system.

Along with the US military, Denmark and Sweden added the RQ-20A system in June 2012.

March 2018 - To meet growing market demand, AeroVironment has launched the new "Puma 3" Small Unmanned Aerial System (SUAS) series. It features an improved body that houses an advanced electro-optical (EO) sensor package and a new proprietary data link accessory.