AeroVironment(US:AVAV) Businesswire·2025-10-13 13:05Core Insights - AeroVironment, Inc. has launched the VAPOR Compact Long Endurance (CLE) unmanned aircraft system, enhancing autonomy, reducing size and weight, and increasing flight duration and payload flexibility [1][2] Product Features - The VAPOR CLE is designed based on feedback from warfighters, focusing on extended time over target, increased lift for critical payloads, and ruggedness for tough environments [2][5] - It features a compact design with a 50% reduction in weight to 35 pounds and a volume of 7 cubic feet, facilitating transport and rapid deployment [3] - The system offers up to two hours of flight time, which is double the endurance of typical Group 2 quad rotor-craft platforms [3] Technological Advancements - The VAPOR CLE incorporates an NVIDIA ORIN onboard computer, enabling full autonomy and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) through advanced computer vision and AI/ML processing [3][4] - It supports a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) for third-party integration, compatible with 26 unique payloads including optical sensors and electronic warfare systems [4] Operational Capabilities - The VAPOR CLE is capable of multi-mission operations, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare (EW), precision strike, and logistics resupply [2][4] - It operates with an encrypted data link that can transmit classified information over distances greater than 10 kilometers [4]