AeroVironment P550 drone

AeroVironment P550 long range reconnaissance drone conducting a tactical mission during a U.S. Army field exercise.

Manufacturer: AeroVironment
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed 123 km/h
Endurance Up to 5 hours
Operational Range Up to 60 km
Payload Capacity Approximately 15 kg

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	AeroVironment P550
Manufacturer	AeroVironment, Inc.
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Tactical VTOL Reconnaissance Drone
First Flight / Introduced	2020s
Status	In Service
Unit Cost	Not Publicly Disclosed

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	123 km/h
Cruise Speed	70–90 km/h
Operational Range	Up to 60 km
Endurance	Up to 5 hours
Service Ceiling	Approximately 4,600 m
Rate of Climb	Not Publicly Disclosed

3. Dimensions

Length	Approximately 2 m
Wingspan	Approximately 5.2 m
Height	Not Publicly Disclosed
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	Approximately 25 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	Up to 15 kg
Hardpoints	Mission Dependent
Weapons	None (ISR Configuration)
Sensors	EO/IR Cameras, Mapping Sensors
Avionics	Autonomous Flight Management System

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Electric Propulsion
Engine Power	Not Publicly Disclosed
Propeller Type	Multi-Rotor VTOL with Fixed-Wing Propulsion

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote and Autonomous
Data Link Range	Up to 60 km
Navigation	GPS/INS
Ground Control Station	Portable Tactical Station

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	U.S. Military and Allied Forces
Combat Proven	Operationally Deployed
Notable Operations	ISR, Border Security, Force Protection Missions

PROS

VTOL capability eliminates runway requirements
Long endurance for tactical ISR missions
Modular payload architecture
Operates in day and night conditions
Portable and rapidly deployable

CONS

Limited payload compared to larger UAVs
Shorter range than MALE-class drones
Weather conditions can affect operations
Public pricing information remains limited
Primarily focused on ISR rather than strike missions

AeroVironment P550 Tactical VTOL Drone

The AeroVironment P550 is a next generation tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed to provide military units with long range intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and target acquisition capabilities. Developed by U.S.-based AeroVironment, the P550 combines vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) performance with advanced autonomous flight technology, enabling operations in complex environments without requiring runways or launch infrastructure.

Built for expeditionary and frontline missions, the P550 can rapidly deploy from confined locations while carrying multiple sensor payloads. The system is optimized for military reconnaissance, force protection, border security, and target tracking missions. Its modular architecture allows operators to adapt payloads according to mission requirements.

Manufacturer

Manufacturer: AeroVironment, Inc.
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Tactical VTOL Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

Speed and Range

The AeroVironment P550 drone is engineered for extended tactical operations and can support long endurance reconnaissance missions. Depending on payload configuration and operating conditions, the drone offers significant stand-off surveillance capability while maintaining stable flight performance.

Maximum Speed: Approximately 123 km/h
Operational Range: Up to 60 km
Endurance: Up to 5 hours

Cost / Price

AeroVironment has not publicly disclosed the exact unit price of the P550. However, complete systems are estimated to cost several hundred thousand U.S. dollars depending on sensors, communications packages, and mission equipment.

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Key Capabilities

The P550 incorporates autonomous navigation, encrypted communications, GPS-denied operational support, and advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor integration. Its VTOL design enables deployment from ships, remote outposts, and urban environments. The platform supports day and night operations and can transmit real-time intelligence to ground commanders.

The drone is designed to improve situational awareness, reduce risk to personnel, and provide persistent surveillance over contested areas. Its combination of portability, endurance, and advanced sensor integration makes it a valuable asset for modern military reconnaissance missions.

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