Group 2 eVTOL UAS Unveiled for Mission Flexibility

AeroVironment's P550 eVTOL UAS uses MOSA and AI-driven autonomy, allowing forces to respond to evolving mission demands with superior situational awareness By Abi Wylie / 22 Oct 2024
Autonomous Group 2 UAS Unveiled for Mission Flexibility
Follow AAMi

AeroVironment (AV) has introduced the P550™ advanced autonomous Group 2 eVTOL uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) designed to set a new standard for battlefield adaptability and operational readiness. 

Leveraging a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and AI-driven autonomy, P550 is engineered to empower maneuver forces to quickly respond to evolving mission demands with rapid deployment, scalability, and superior situational awareness.

Unveiled at the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) Annual Meeting, the P550’s all-electric powertrain provides flight endurance of over 5 hours and a multi-sensor payload capacity of up to 15 pounds. 

This endurance and payload capability deliver critical intelligence gathering, precision targeting, and force protection in dynamic and contested environments.

At the core of P550 is its MOSA framework, enabling seamless integration with third-party payloads, datalinks, ground control systems, and mission software. This open and scalable architecture not only future-proofs the UAS for continuous upgrades but also keeps pace with technological advancements at low cost and risk. 

P550’s standard interfaces allow interoperability with multiple ground control systems providing operators with mission flexibility and compatibility across various platforms. 

Purpose-built for rapid deployment in any environment, P550’s modular design features toolless airframe assembly with hot-swappable batteries and multi-sensor payloads ensuring maximum operational readiness. 

For enhanced lethality, the UAS supports a range of offensive capabilities, including laser designation, sensor-to-shooter functionalities, and proven munitions. Its modular communication architecture further boosts operational resilience by offering flexible datalink options, maintaining reliable performance even in complex, contested environments.

P550 integrates AV’s SPOTR-Edge™ Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) and AVACORE™ software suite for onboard edge computing. These advanced AI capabilities enable the UAS to autonomously detect and classify operationally relevant objects—ranging from personnel and vehicles to aircraft and maritime vessels—day or night, ultimately enhancing situational awareness and tactical decision-making on the battlefield.

Building on AV’s three-decade legacy of delivering reliable, combat-proven UAS, P550 demonstrates a continued commitment to providing intelligent, autonomous platforms that ensure operational superiority. 

The system’s modular, future-ready architecture allows for continuous evolution, meeting the demands of today’s battlefields while remaining prepared for the challenges of the future.

Trace Stevenson, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Uncrewed Systems, said, ”Warfighters today require systems that can quickly adapt to fluid combat scenarios, providing unmatched reliability and flexibility. 

“P550 meets these needs through an adaptable, field-reconfigurable design that allows rapid, on-the-fly adjustments for evolving operational requirements.”

Posted by Abi Wylie Edited by Abigail Wylie, Editor and Copywriter experienced in digital media with a keen interest in ocean science technology. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Discover the Future of Electric Aviation at AIRTAXI World Congress 2025

AIRTAXI World Congress 2025 will unite global aviation leaders, innovators, and policymakers for networking, business meetings, exhibitions, and insights shaping the electric, sustainable future of air mobility

Sep 05, 2025
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week 2025 to Highlight Latest Smart Mobility Solutions

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW) 2025, 10-15 November, will feature live demonstrations, exhibitions, and key events, to highlight the latest innovations in autonomous mobility, AI, and robotics

Sep 05, 2025
Honeywell Connectivity Solutions Driving Advanced Air Mobility

Honeywell is driving advanced air mobility with cloud-native flight decks and compact satcom systems, delivering reliable connectivity for safe, scalable, and autonomous air operations

Sep 04, 2025
Leadership Changes Signal Next Stage in eVTOL & AAM Development

Supernal, an eVTOL division of Hyundai Motor Group, is undergoing a leadership change as CEO Dr. Jaiwon Shin steps down and the company moves from early-stage technology research to scaling operations and advancing its Urban Air Mobility business

Sep 03, 2025
Joby Completes Acquisition of Blade’s Passenger Business

Joby has acquired Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business, securing established routes and loyal customers to accelerate eVTOL commercial service entry in key markets

Sep 02, 2025
SkyDrive Demonstrates eVTOL Flights at Expo 2025 in Osaka

SkyDrive has conducted successful SKYDRIVE SD-05 demonstration flights at Expo 2025 in Osaka between July 31 and August 24, and will continue public demonstrations from Osakako Vertiport in September

Aug 29, 2025