AV, in partnership with Parry Labs, has been awarded a significant U.S. Army contract to supply its advanced P550™ uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for the critical Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) program. The contract is structured as a three-year Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with an initial value of $13.2 million and future options that could bring the total potential value to $42 million.
This award, managed by the Program Executive Office Aviation, Project Manager UAS, and Product Director Small UAS, focuses on delivering the newly developed P550 systems, along with necessary updates, support, and documentation. The goal is rigorous testing, evaluation, and integration into the Army’s broader Family of Systems, building upon a previously announced P550 delivery to the Army.
Designed specifically for battalion-level operations, the all-electric, high-performance P550 is engineered to bridge a current capability gap. It merges long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) with lethal effects in a single, adaptable platform. Key to its design is a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which allows soldiers to quickly swap payloads, update software, and ensure interoperability with other Army assets.
“Our LRR offering was engineered to meet the Army’s unique needs,” said Jason Hendrix, AV’s Vice President of Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems. “P550 embodies a true MOSA system, providing maximum flexibility with minimal logistical demands. Our partnership with Parry Labs integrates their proven mission systems, offering best-in-class solutions that anticipate soldier needs.”
The P550’s operational advantages are substantial. It features advanced AI and autonomous capabilities for enhanced situational awareness and targeting in contested environments. A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) system and a tool-less, quick-connect airframe allow for rapid deployment and recovery, directly reducing soldier exposure to enemy fire.
This contract underscores AV’s commitment to providing the U.S. Armed Forces with mission-ready, adaptable technology. The P550 platform is poised to become a cornerstone of the Army’s LRR strategy, offering a versatile and cutting-edge tool to enhance battlefield effectiveness and operational readiness while simplifying logistics.
