AeroVironment Introduces the Qube Small Unmanned Aircraft System for Public Safety Professionals

AeroVironment Introduces the Qube Small Unmanned Aircraft System for Public Safety Professionals; Announces Test and Evaluation Program

• First solution tailored to law enforcement, first response and other public safety missions from the leading supplier of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

• Based on proven small UAS experience with hundreds of thousands of operating hours supporting U.S. and allied armed forces

• Will be made available to select public safety agencies for testing and evaluation

MONROVIA, Calif., Oct. 27, 2011 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) today introduced the Qube portable UAS for use in public safety applications such as law enforcement and first response. Small enough to fit easily in the trunk of a car, the Qube system can be unpacked, assembled and ready for flight in less than five minutes, giving the operator a rapidly deployable eye in the sky at a fraction of the cost of manned aircraft.

“Public safety professionals have been asking for this capability for years,” said Tom Herring, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. “They have learned about the effectiveness of our Raven, Wasp and Puma UAS over the battlefield and want a similar capability that is tailored to their mission requirements. The Qube system targets their needs and will provide a portable aerial vantage point to help public safety workers perform their duties more safely and effectively.”

The Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) air vehicle can hover for 40 minutes – twice the endurance of similar unmanned air vehicles. Equipped with dual color and thermal video cameras, the air vehicle can transmit live video directly to the operator to assist with threat assessment, situational awareness, search and rescue, perimeter security and a variety of other missions.

To demonstrate the Qube system’s unique capabilities, AeroVironment is introducing a trial and evaluation program for public safety agencies. Interested agencies can learn more about this program by completing a request for information form at www.avinc.com/qube.

( Yes its a re branded Shrike https://www.suasnews.com/2011/08/7848/aerovironment-introduces-shrike-multicopter/)