AeroVironment Introduces Puma VNS, a Visual-Based Navigation
Stay informed with our
free newsletters

Sep 16, 2022

AeroVironment Introduces Puma VNS, a Visual-Based Navigation System That Enables GPS-Denied Navigation Across GPS-Contested Environments

  • System determines precise location of the aircraft during flight without relying on GPS
  • Will enable increasingly advanced navigational capabilities, features and functionality through future software and hardware updates
  • Available as an add-on option for new Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE system orders and as a retrofit kit for fielded systems

AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today introduced Puma™ VNS, a visual-based navigation system for Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) that will enable GPS-denied navigation across increasingly GPS-contested environments.

The system will provide operators with continually advanced navigation capabilities, features and functionality through anticipated software and hardware updates. The system will also enable the integration of future autonomy capabilities.

“Puma VNS gives operators an unprecedented advantage in the battlefield,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for SUAS. “Operators now can execute missions with more confidence in GPS-contested environment with the system’s new navigational capabilities.”

Search & Rescue Helicopter Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

Search & Rescue Helicopter Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

By Component (Aero Structures, Engine, Avionics, Rescue Equipment?s, Electrical System, Others), By Type (Light, Medium, Heavy), By End-Use (Commercial, Military), By Region, Competition, 2019-2029F

Download free sample pages

The next-generation navigation system features a suite of down-looking sensors that gather imagery data and track features on the ground, as well as an embedded compute module to process and determine the precise location of an aircraft while it is in flight. Designed with the operator in mind, the system automatically transitions to and from GPS-denied navigation mode without any input from the operator.


AeroVironment, Inc.
View original News release

Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2024

Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2024

National Harbor, MD
Jun 26 - 27, 2024

View agenda
Airborne ISR 2024 Conference

Airborne ISR 2024 Conference

London, United Kingdom
Oct 16 - 17, 2024

View agenda