AVAV News & Events

AeroVironment announced a "historic milestone" for directed energy and homeland defense following the successful execution of a first-of-its-kind counter-unmanned aircraft system, or C-UAS, laser test in coordination with the U.S. Department of War and the Federal Aviation Administration. Missile Range, led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401, AV's LOCUST high-energy laser system demonstrated its ability to safely and effectively defend U.S. national airspace against emerging drone threats, directly supporting a subsequent agreement between the DOW and FAA that validates the system for domestic use. "This is a defining moment for directed energy and for the future of homeland defense," said John Garrity, Vice President for Directed Energy Systems at AV. "LOCUST has now proven its ability to operate safely and effectively in the most complex airspace environment in the world. This achievement accelerates the transition of directed energy from experimentation to operational deployment-delivering a scalable, cost-effective solution to counter the rapidly growing drone threat." The test at WSMR demonstrated automated safety shut-off capabilities that ensure the system only engages validated targets, among other safety features. The testing also showed no adverse impact to civilian aircraft during controlled evaluation scenarios and showed precision engagement through strict positive identification protocols. AV's LOCUST also showed the ability to hit both stationary and airborne targets to demonstrate accuracy, persistence, and operational realism.

AeroVironment announced that it has been awarded a prototype agreement from the U.S. Army for the Low-Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance, LASSO, program to support the rapid development, delivery and testing of the Switchblade 400 loitering munition. "This award reflects the Army's confidence not only in Switchblade 400, but in AV's ability to deliver at scale," said Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV. "Being selected under the LASSO program positions AV as a long-term partner to the Army as it modernizes its loitering munition capabilities, from development and testing through production, fielding, and continuous capability evolution."