AeroVironment Unveils VAPOR 55 MX Helicopter UAV with Increased Payload

The American defense company AeroVironment, manufacturer of Switchblade kamikaze drones, presented in full

electric unmanned aircraft system of a new generation helicopter type. The drone is called VAPOR 55 MX.

What is known

The drone can operate in any weather.Compared to its predecessor, the VAPOR 55 MX runtime has been increased by 25%. The payload capacity of the unmanned aerial vehicle has increased by 20%. According to the manufacturer, this will increase the flexibility of the drone in the field, as well as meet the requirements of defense and industrial customers.

AeroVironment Introduces Next-GenerationAll-Electric VAPOR 55 MX Helicopter Unmanned Aircraft System, Built for Heavier Payloads and Longer Distances. https://t.co/6yeFxxcCTh pic.twitter.com/3JEb2pbWn1

— AeroVironment (@aerovironment) September 13, 2022

VAPOR 55 MX operating time without rechargingis over 70 minutes. The expandable modular bay allows you to secure a payload weighing up to 5.5 kg, so that the take-off weight does not exceed 25 kg. This limitation is set by the United States Federal Aviation Administration. But it only applies to commercial customers.

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Military versions of the VAPOR 55 MX will be able to lift almost10 kg payload, and the maximum takeoff weight of the unmanned aerial vehicle will be approximately 29.5 kg. But the flight time of the drone will be reduced.