- AeroVironment received a $14.6 million U.S. Army contract on April 20 for VAPOR CLE under the CoLvl DR SUAS Tranche 2 program.
- The contract supports the Army’s Medium Range Reconnaissance initiative and equips Brigade Combat Teams with modular small unmanned aircraft systems.
AeroVironment said on April 20 it has secured a $14.6 million production contract from the U.S. Army for its VAPOR Compact Long Endurance unmanned aircraft system, an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing platform built for small-unit operations.
The award falls under the Army’s Company-Level Directed Requirement Small Uncrewed Aircraft System program, Tranche 2, and is tied to the service’s Medium Range Reconnaissance effort. That initiative is focused on getting commercially available drone systems into the hands of Brigade Combat Teams to meet immediate operational needs.
“Being selected for the Company-Level Directed Requirement validates VAPOR CLE’s performance, adaptability, and mission value,” said Jason Hendrix, vice president and general manager of small uncrewed aircraft systems at AeroVironment. “This award reflects AV’s commitment to delivering operationally relevant, rapidly deployable solutions that meet the Army’s urgent needs and evolving mission requirements.”
The Company-Level Directed Requirement program is structured around complete drone packages rather than individual aircraft. That includes the air vehicle, control systems, and interchangeable payloads that units can adapt for different missions. Brigade Combat Teams are expected to use these systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, while also testing how they perform in real-world conditions.
VAPOR CLE is a compact, helicopter-style drone that lifts off and lands vertically, removing the need for runways or prepared launch sites. This allows it to operate in confined or undeveloped areas where larger systems would struggle. Its electric design also reduces logistical demands compared with fuel-powered platforms.
The aircraft is built with a modular architecture, allowing operators to swap sensors and other payloads depending on the mission. That flexibility supports a range of tasks without requiring major changes to the system itself. AeroVironment says the platform is rugged enough to handle difficult environments, including remote terrain and maritime conditions.
The VAPOR CLE can carry payloads weighing up to 24 pounds, including sensors or other equipment. It also offers up to two hours of endurance, providing longer flight times than many smaller electric drones. That combination of payload capacity and endurance allows units to cover wider areas without needing frequent relaunches.
The Medium Range Reconnaissance effort is part of a wider push by the Army to expand the role of drones at the brigade level. By fielding systems that can be quickly deployed and adapted, the service is working to improve how units gather information and respond to changing conditions on the ground.
Programs like the Company-Level Directed Requirement are intended to speed up how new technology reaches operational units. Instead of relying on long development cycles, the Army is selecting existing systems and refining requirements based on feedback from soldiers using them in the field.