InfoFAQ Rating: 
AeroVironment, Inc. is a publicly traded company and one of the top suppliers of unmanned aircraft systemss, fast charge and power processing system solutions in the world. Their customers are global customers including the Defense Industry, Automotive Industry, Distribution & Logistics, and more. - InfoFAQ Editorial Staff
AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment Company Profile
Company Name: AeroVironment
Original DBA Name: AeroVironment, Inc.
President: Timothy E. Conver
Founder: Dr. Paul MacCready
In Business Since: 1971
Years in Profession: 40 Years
Business Address: 181 W. Huntington Drive, Suite 202, Monrovia, CA 91016
Business Phone: 626-357-9983
Fax: 626-359-9628
Contact Email: info@avinc.com
Completed InfoFAQ Exclusive Interview: 06/05/2008
InfoFAQ Exclusive Interview: Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Electric Vehicle Chargers, Public Safety UAS
Company Information: AeroVironment Information
Company News: AeroVironment , AV Press
Website: AeroVironment Website
Online Store URL: AeroVironment Solutions
AVInc Glossary: AeroVironment Glossary
Web Design: Mineral Studios
Payment Methods: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, DISCOVER
Merchant Category: Small UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAV's), Electric POWER SYSTEMS, Vehicle Power Systems, Rapid Charge Systems, Power Processing
Services Include: Unmanned Aircraft, PosiCharge Products, Power Processing Products, Rapid Charging of GSE Electric Vehicles, Power Systems Used by Vehicle Manufacturers
Description: AeroVironment, Inc. is one of the top suppliers of unmanned aircrafts, fast charge and power processing system solutions in the world. Our global customers are growing continually in the areas of the Defense Industry, Automotive Industry, Distribution & Logistics, and more. - AeroVironment, Inc.
History: Started by acclaimed physicist and engineer Dr. Paul MacCready in 1971, AeroVironment quickly became a pioneer in the technology of unmanned aircraft. With Dr. MacCready's active role in all technology areas, his team at AV developed aircraft which are used by NASA, the U.S. Military and other private companies. Many of his classic aircraft designs can be seen today in the Smithsonian American History Museum, the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. and the Museum of Flight in Seattle, WA.
A pioneer in the field of alternative fuel, Dr. MacCready and AeroVironment teamed with GM in the late 1980's to create one of the first battery-powered concept cars. This car later became a factor in creating California's Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate and was a great global example for alternative fuel vehicles.
Quote from the Founder: "I'm more interested in a world that works than what sells" - Dr. Paul MacCready
Most Popular Products:
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Our UAS are used by the United States Armed Forces for surveillance and reconnaissance, Unmanned Aircraft Systems are the perfect devices for patrolling and protecting citizens, especially in dangerous and targeted areas. They provide autonomous or remote-controlled operation and precise GPS navigation.
Electric Vehicle Battery Chargers
Our PosiCharge Systems provide the ideal way to charge vehicle batteries, within just a 15 to 30 minute timeframe and without the use of a battery room. Such charging methods can dramatically increase efficiency, as well as save time and money for those involved in businesses and commutes dependant upon electric vehicles.
Power Processing Products
Our Power Processing Products offer the most efficient way to test battery-operated vehicles as well as hybrids. Specific models can also be used to test larger hybrids including buses, trucks, and military vehicles.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Whether used to protect citizenry along borderlines or to search for victims within a populated burning building, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles can fly autonomously or through a remote control in order to provide surveillance and reconnaissance. Some of our most prominent customers include certain divisions of the United States Armed Forces.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
For those operating Electric Vehicles, especially in relation to business and professional transportation services, we offer advanced EV Charging Systems that will help increase the vehicle's efficiency. Allowing Electric Vehicles to charge faster and operate longer in-between charges, EV Charging Systems can provide the ideal forefront for such vehicles.
EV Test Systems
The Electric Vehicles Test Systems that we provide allow for the analysis of developing, examining, and integrating hybrid and fuel cell energy systems. Such Test Systems are also prominently involved in the testing of AC and DC power processing devices.
Clean Energy Systems
For the past several decades, we have been developing new and innovative methods to further enhance Clean Energy Systems., including the use of wind, solar, and oceanic energies for their products. Examples of our clean energy products can be found on our Website and include the Gossamer Condor, AV Challenger, and the GM Sunraycer.
Video Surveillance
Police Department Video Surveillance Drone
Crime Scene Video Surveillance Drone
Hostage Video Surveillance Drone
Fire Department Video Surveillance Drone
Missing Person Video Surveillance Drone
UAS Products (Includes Data Sheet and Videos):
Raven Unmanned Aircraft - While the Raven B system is a newer and more advanced version of the Raven A system, it possesses other features that help illustrate its practicality and useful advantages. Guided by GPS navigation, The Raven B airplane is currently the most enhanced Unmanned Aircraft System deployed through the United Stated Armed Forces, and has the incredible ability to either operate manually or independently according to desire or necessity.
Dragon Eye Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - The preference of the United States Marine Corps, the Dragon Eye airplane is a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle programmed to fly only autonomously and through a precise GPS navigational system. It is advanced in producing an extremely low amount of noise and providing image-viewing in real time. The Dragon Eye is also hard to detect once in flight, thus adding to its advantages and practicality.
Puma Unmanned Aircraft - The Puma is an impressive aircraft in its class, as it contains a stronger payload capability than others. It also features qualities of other small Unmanned Aircraft systems, moves with a GPS navigation system, and is easy to utilize. Additionally, the Puma can also fly manually or autonomously, as well as allow its operator to detect specific targets.
Wasp Micro Unmanned Aircraft - The smallest Unmanned Aircraft System, the Wasp III Micro is known for its strong sense of dependability and its rugged nature. This aircraft model is also portable, and can be trusted to ensure surveillance whether it is day or night. Some of its features resemble those of the Swift and the Puma, as it is also compatible with manual or autonomous flight options and navigation.
Swift Unmanned Aircraft - The Swift airplane is one that physically resembles the Dragon Eye aircraft. While it can fly autonomously like the Dragon Eye model, the Swift can also be operated manually. In addition, the Swift also provides reliable surveillance during both daytime and nighttime.
Wasp II Micro Unmanned Aircraft - The Wasp II Micro offers another version of a small unmanned airplane, also known for its reliability and strong surveillance capabilities. Like other aforementioned models, the Wasp II Micro may either fly autonomously with a precise GPS navigational system, or be operated manually. This particular aircraft is also AV's smallest Unmanned Aircraft System.
Articles and Publications
Barry, John and Thomas, Evan. "Up in the Sky, An Unblinking Eye."Newsweek 4 June 2008
Hinton, Christopher. "Some Defense Companies Could Benefit from Obama Presidency" The Wall Street Journal 12 May 2008
Pincus, Walter. "How Defense Research is Making Troops More Effective in Wartime." Washington Post 12 May 2008
Tomlinson, Cpl Ryan. "2nd LAR Welcomes Raven." U.S. Marines Official Website 4 April 2008.
Mentioned in the Media
Bend Bulletin - May 8, 2013
"The Raven, with its 55-inch wingspan, looks like one of those radio-controlled planes beloved of hobbyists. But its sophisticated video uplink and computer controls give it away as a small unmanned aerial system, better known as a drone. Drone technology, which has become a staple of military operations, is now drawing scientists with its ability to provide increasingly cheaper, safer and more accurate and detailed assessments of the natural world."
www.bendbulletin.com/article/20130508/NEWS0107/305080333/
DailyFinance - May 7, 2013
"Fool industrials analyst Blake Bos discusses unmanned aircraft systems maker AeroVironment and tells investors what's behind the recent spate of insider stock buys at the company. Fears of major defense spending cuts on the horizon have put a lot of selling pressure on the stock in recent months. Could these buys be a good sign? Blake gives us his take on whether this signals a buy."
www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/06/aerovironment-insiders-are-buying-should-you/
MarketWatch - April 26, 2013
"AeroVironment's electric transportation solutions include a comprehensive suite of electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, installation and network services for consumers, automakers, utilities and government agencies, power cycling and test systems for EV developers and industrial electric vehicle charging systems for commercial fleets."
www.marketwatch.com/story/stephen-f-page-appointed-to-aerovironment-board-of-directors-2013-04-26
San Fernando Valley Business Journal - April 11, 2013
"AeroVironment Inc. received $13.8 million in funding to continue fulfilling a contract to produce its Raven unmanned aircraft for the U.S. Army."
www.sfvbj.com/news/2013/apr/11/army-orders-more-drones-aerovironment/
Verified Memberships & Affiliations
Professional Memberships and Affiliations for Dr. Paul MacCready
InfoFAQ Expert Merchant
Membership in the National Academy of Engineering
Membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Membership in the American Philosophical Society
Fellow status in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
American Meteorological Society
Former AMS Certified Consulting Meteorologist
Member of the AMS Council
International President of the International Human-Powered Vehicle
Service on many technical advisory committees and Boards of Directors for government, industry (public and private corporations), educational institutions, and foundations
Director of the Lindbergh Foundation and the Society for Amateur Scientists.
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