Category: USA

The AeroVironment Wasp is a compact fixed-wing military/tactical drone built for short-range observation-class missions rather than consumer flying. For researchers, institutional buyers, and readers comparing small defense-linked UAS platforms, it stands out for its very light 1.3 kg maximum takeoff weight, roughly 48-minute endurance, and portable 1 m wingspan. Publicly confirmed data is limited, so this profile focuses on what is known, what that suggests in practice, and what still needs direct verification.

The AeroVironment Shrike is a compact US-made military/tactical multirotor listed in public database sources as a short-range observation platform. Based on the limited confirmed data available, it pairs a 2.5 kg maximum takeoff weight with about 36 minutes of endurance, 5 km range, and a 56 km/h top speed. Those figures place it in a niche but important category: small, hover-capable tactical drones intended for close-area reconnaissance, situational awareness, and field-deployable VTOL use rather than consumer photography or long-endurance fixed-wing patrol. As a result, it is most relevant to defense-market researchers, institutional evaluators, journalists covering unmanned systems, and readers comparing compact tactical UAVs—not ordinary consumer pilots shopping for a camera drone.

The AeroVironment Raven is a lightweight fixed-wing military/tactical drone built for short-range observation roles rather than consumer photography or hobby flying. In the supplied public record, it remains active and combines a 1.9 kg max takeoff weight with up to 1.5 hours of endurance, a 10 km published range, and an 81 km/h top speed. For researchers, institutional buyers, and readers comparing small tactical UAVs, Raven matters because it represents a compact, field-oriented fixed-wing platform in an established defense segment.

– **Drone Name:** AeroVironment Puma AE – **Brand:** AeroVironment – **Model:** Puma AE – **Category:** military/tactical – **Best For:** Institutional users and analysts evaluating a portable fixed-wing tactical observation drone – **Price Range:** Not publicly confirmed in supplied data – **Launch Year:** Not publicly confirmed in supplied data – **Availability:** Not publicly confirmed in supplied data – **Current Status:** active – **Overall Rating:** Not rated due to limited confirmed data – **Our Verdict:** A relevant small fixed-wing tactical platform with strong confirmed endurance for its class, but public information on payloads, software, pricing, and procurement remains limited.