The US Army continues expanding its fleet of next-generation reconnaissance drones after awarding AeroVironment a $117.3 million contract to produce 82 additional P550 eVTOL unmanned aircraft. The new systems will equip battalion reconnaissance teams with advanced aerial surveillance capabilities, improving battlefield intelligence and operational awareness for deployed forces. The contract marks the first full-rate production acquisition of the P550, reflecting the Army’s confidence in the platform following multiple successful procurement rounds and early operational deliveries. Designed to combine the flexibility of vertical takeoff with the efficiency of conventional forward flight, the aircraft can operate from confined locations while covering greater distances than traditional multirotor drones. The continued procurement highlights the Army’s growing emphasis on modern unmanned systems that provide rapid reconnaissance, persistent surveillance, and improved decision-making across increasingly complex operational environments.
