Workflow
Locust
icon
Search documents
Inside the laser system built to shoot drones #shorts
60 Minutes· 2026-03-18 15:51
We visited AV in Albuquerque where their laser system called Locust is built. The top part that looks like Wall-E is the beam director. The deadly ray blasts out of one of the eyes.The base contains batteries as the power source and a cooling system. Each unit costs roughly $8 million and can be stationary or installed in the back of a truck. Has it ever been deployed in battle.>> Absolutely. Yes. Multiple battles in different theaters around the world, >> including against shahitz.>> Are you telling us tha ...
Could lasers help fend off Iran's cheap drones? | 60 Minutes
60 Minutes· 2026-03-15 23:39
They call it asymmetric warfare. Our highly sophisticated interceptor missiles, Patriots, THAADS, against Iran's low tech drones made of materials you can largely get at your corner hobby store. While attacks by Iranian drones were down this past week, the amount of damage they have done has come as a jolt.An Iranian drone attack caused the first American casualties of the war when it killed six soldiers in Kuwait. Iranian drones are a drain on the US weapon stockpiles and a threat to the straight of Hormuz ...
AeroVironment (NasdaqGS:AVAV) FY Conference Transcript
2026-02-11 14:32
Summary of Aerospace and Defense Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: AeroVironment (Ticker: AVAV) - **Recent Transformation**: The company has evolved significantly, shifting from a $700 million company operating in three segments to a more diversified entity after acquiring BlueHalo, which introduced new technologies and market sectors [3][4] Business Segments 1. **Legacy AeroVironment Products**: - **Uncrewed Aircraft Systems**: Includes products like Puma, P550, and Raven. - **Loitering Munitions**: Features the Switchblade family, including models 300, 400, and 600, which are designed for various operational needs [4][16][18]. - **Emerging Products**: The Red Dragon, a one-way attack drone, is being developed to address modern warfare needs [17][24]. 2. **BlueHalo Products**: - **Space and Directed Energy**: Includes the Badger product under the SCAR contract and the LOCUST laser weapon system for counter-UAS applications [5][7]. - **Cyber Emission Systems**: Focuses on high-tech solutions for government contracts [7][19]. Growth Opportunities - **Counter-UAS Technology**: The Titan and LOCUST products are expected to see significant growth as demand for counter-drone solutions increases [15][19]. - **International Demand**: Increased NATO spending and interest from countries like Germany and Taiwan are expected to drive sales of legacy products [61][63]. - **Innovation and R&D**: The MacCready Works division focuses on long-term technological advancements, including autonomy and AI, to stay ahead in the competitive landscape [10][12][56]. Challenges and Strategic Responses - **SCAR Program Update**: A stop work order was issued for the Badger product, prompting a renegotiation of contract terms. This pause is seen as an opportunity to pivot towards a more commercialized product line [31][34]. - **Supply Chain Management**: The company is actively managing supply chain challenges post-COVID, focusing on long-term agreements with key partners to ensure component availability [66][70]. Competitive Landscape - **Market Position**: AeroVironment maintains a leadership position in uncrewed systems and loitering munitions due to extensive real-world experience and rapid innovation cycles [54][56]. - **Partnerships**: The company is fostering collaborations with both established and emerging tech firms to enhance its product offerings and address battlefield challenges [68]. Financial Outlook - **Revenue Growth**: The company anticipates a 15% revenue growth, driven by both legacy and new product lines [62]. - **Investment in CapEx**: AeroVironment has committed to significant capital expenditures, including a new facility in Salt Lake City to boost production capabilities [79][80]. Conclusion - **Future Prospects**: AeroVironment is well-positioned for growth in the aerospace and defense sector, leveraging its innovative technologies, strategic acquisitions, and strong market demand to enhance its product offerings and expand its customer base [83].
AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) Investor Open House Conference (Transcript)
Seeking Alpha· 2025-10-01 01:49
Core Viewpoint - The event highlights the company's advancements in defense technology and its commitment to innovation in the sector [1][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - The company has developed and built products such as the BADGER, Locust, and laser communication terminals [1]. - The event is being held at the Space and Directed Energy facility, emphasizing the company's focus on cutting-edge defense technologies [1]. Group 2: Industry Perspective - The agenda includes discussions on the overall defense industry and specifically the defense tech sector, indicating a strategic focus on market trends and developments [3].
AeroVironment, Inc. - Special Call
Seeking Alpha· 2025-09-30 23:22
Group 1 - The event is hosted at the Space and Directed Energy facility, showcasing products like BADGER, Locust, and laser communication terminals [1] - The agenda includes insights on the overall defense industry and a focus on the defense tech sector [3]
AeroVironment (NasdaqGS:AVAV) Update / Briefing Transcript
2025-09-30 15:32
AeroVironment (NasdaqGS:AVAV) Update Summary Company Overview - **Company**: AeroVironment (AV) - **Event Date**: September 30, 2025 - **Location**: Albuquerque, New Mexico - **Focus**: Defense technology sector, specifically in Space and Directed Energy, Cyber and Mission Solutions, Uncrewed Systems, and Precision Strike and Defensive Systems [1][2][3] Key Industry Insights - **Defense Industry Context**: The defense industry is experiencing a significant shift due to underinvestment over the past 15-20 years, leading to a consolidation into seven major primes. This has created a unique opportunity for companies like AV to capitalize on increased defense spending [6][7][8]. - **Global Threat Landscape**: The current geopolitical climate is marked by rising conflicts, particularly between the U.S. and China, necessitating advanced defense solutions [7][8]. - **Government Support**: There is bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for increased defense investments, reflecting a shift in military leaders' mindsets towards more autonomous and integrated systems [8][9]. Company Strategy and Positioning - **Market Opportunity**: AV is positioned to benefit from a projected increase in defense spending, particularly in autonomous systems, which could triple or quadruple in the next three to five years [8][9]. - **Product Portfolio**: AV's product offerings include loitering munitions, uncrewed systems, and advanced software solutions like AV Halo, which integrates AI and autonomy into defense operations [10][18][39]. - **Total Addressable Market (TAM)**: AV estimates a TAM of $70 billion to $75 billion, with significant growth potential in offensive systems ($10 billion+) and uncrewed systems ($15 billion+) [13][15]. Product Highlights - **Loitering Munitions**: Products like Switchblade and Red Dragon are expected to become billion-dollar franchises, with significant demand anticipated [18][19]. - **Uncrewed Systems**: The P550 and Jump 20 systems are critical to AV's strategy, with the latter focusing on cross-domain capabilities [41][46]. - **Directed Energy Solutions**: AV is developing laser communication systems and other directed energy products, which are expected to grow significantly [21][56]. Technological Innovations - **AV Halo Software**: A new software platform designed to integrate various defense systems, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness [24][25][39]. - **Modular and Open Architecture**: AV Halo is built to be modular and interoperable, allowing for rapid integration of new capabilities and third-party systems [26][27]. Financial Performance and Growth - **Revenue Projections**: For FY 2025, AV anticipates revenues exceeding $1 billion, with a strong first quarter performance of $285 million [42]. - **Scalability**: AV has the capacity to scale production significantly across various product lines, ensuring readiness to meet increasing demand [46][47]. Conclusion - **Strategic Positioning**: AV is well-positioned to leverage current market dynamics, with a strong focus on innovation, scalability, and meeting the evolving needs of defense customers. The company is confident in its ability to capture a larger share of the defense spending as it continues to develop and deliver advanced solutions [17][49][50].