AeroVironment (AV) has announced a suite of software updates, called Project GOLD, that elevate the battlefield effectiveness of its Puma 3 AE and Puma LE, in contested environments. The new updates bolster the Puma uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to maintain reliable navigation and mission performance even when GNSS and communications signals are unreliable, unavailable or deliberately jammed.

The software-only upgrades ensure Puma UAS can continue mission-critical tasks autonomously and securely, reducing reliance on GPS and enhancing survivability in hostile areas.

Featured Updates:

• GPS-Denied Capabilities: Puma 3 AE and Puma LE now support additional advanced Assured Position Navigation and Timing (APNT) capabilities in GNSS denied environments.
• Visual Navigation (VNS): Providing greater capability utilizing Puma’s VNS system with end-to-end GNSS-denied operation and an additional layer of GNSS spoofing detection and rejection.
• Enhanced Radio Security: Enhanced security features with the latest software and UI/UX ensuring robust communications in contested environments.
• Increased Payload: Software update allows for 60% increase in Puma 3 payload capacity, up to 6.5lbs of total payload for advanced multi-mission support.

“With these software enhancements, we’re reinforcing the adaptability and resilience of our Puma Systems for the most demanding battlefield conditions,” said Trace Stevenson, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Uncrewed Systems. “These capabilities allow warfighters to maintain operational superiority, even when adversaries attempt to disrupt critical systems, ensuring greater mission success and survivability.”

These new capabilities are delivered through software updates, requiring no hardware modifications to existing systems, offering a rapid upgrade path for deployed fleets. All new Puma systems will include these features, and currently fielded units can be easily upgraded using the Puma Software Update Kit.