AV Enhances Puma LE with Integrated Laser Target Designator and Universal Gimbal Kit for Precision Targeting and Effortless Multi-Mission Flexibility

AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced the launch of capability enhancements for its Puma™ LE small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS): an integrated Laser Target Designator payload and Universal Gimbal Kit enabling rapid, field-swappable payload configurations. The new Laser Target Designator Kit transforms the Puma LE into a cutting-edge precision targeting platform while the Universal Gimbal Kit further enhances operational flexibility by allowing operators to rapidly integrate a variety of gimballed payloads. 

With these upgrades, Puma LE evolves beyond intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to support multi-mission operations—delivering unmatched portability, modular adaptability, and precision targeting in a compact Group 2 UAS platform 

“With a laser target designator now integrated into the Puma LE, we are delivering a significant tactical advantage,” said Trace Stevenson, president of Autonomous Systems at AV. “Operators can now seamlessly transition from reconnaissance to precision target designation using the same lightweight, man-portable system – a capability previously reserved for larger, more complex platforms.” 

Featuring Trillium Engineering's HD59 Laser Target Designator payload, this advanced lightweight electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) gimbal system delivers unmatched capability in the 2kg payload class. The system integrates a 50mj STANAG 3733-compliant laser designator, an EO camera, mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensor, long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor with See Spot, allowing for long range identification and prosecution of targets during day and night. These features give small units the ability to independently identify and designate targets, dramatically accelerating find-fix-finish timelines and enhancing mission autonomy.

“We are proud to partner with AV on the integration of our HD59 Laser Designator payload for the Puma LE," said Matt Carreon, Vice President of Business Development at Trillium Engineering. "This collaboration brings a powerful, lightweight, multi-sensor EO/IR gimbal system to the field, enabling precision laser designation, something previously confined to larger platforms. The lightweight and versatile design of our payload, combined with Puma LE's unmatched portability, will empower tactical teams to identify and designate targets, dramatically enhancing their operational independence and effectiveness." 

The Universal Gimbal Kit further enhances operational flexibility by allowing operators to rapidly integrate a variety of payloads – including advanced EO/IR gimbals, laser designators, and other specialized gimbal sensors – directly onto the Puma LE airframe in the field without depot-level support. 

“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.” 

Puma LE is a rugged, ultra-lightweight Group 2 aircraft suitable for operations in the harshest environments. With the Trillium HD59 payload, it provides over 3.5 hours of flight endurance to enable dynamic, multi-domain missions – perfect for dismounted troops, special operations forces, and militaries worldwide.