AeroVironment P550
In October 2024, AeroVironment (AV Inc.) revealed its P550 Class 2 electric VTOL drone, pitched for the U.S. Army's LRR (Long-Range Reconnaissance) UAV program. The P550 has a MOSA (Modular Open Systems Approach) compliant payload interface, supporting ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) sensors, EW (Electronic Warfare) systems and small guided munitions. The maximum payload weight is 6.8 kg (15 lb). The vehicle is transported in a 1.8 m × 0.6 m × 0.6 m (6 ft × 2 ft × 2 ft) container, and can be readied for flight in less than 10 minutes.
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| Photo: AV Inc. |
| P550 |
The U.S. Army placed an initial order for P550 drones in December 2025 for evaluation and training. This was followed by a larger production contract in March 2026.
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for P550:
| Length | 2.8 m (9 ft) |
| Wingspan | 5.2 m (17 ft) |
| Height | 0.6 m (2 ft) |
| Weight | max: 25 kg (55 lb) |
| Speed | max: 97 km/h (60 mph) |
| Ceiling | 4270 m (14000 ft) |
| Range | 60 km (37 miles) |
| Endurance | 5 hr |
| Propulsion | Electric |
Main Sources
[1] AV Inc. Website: P550™
[2] The War Zone, Rachel S. Cohen:
Aerovironment’s New P550
Flies Five Hours On A Charge, Drops Two-Pound Guided Bombs, October 2024
[3] AV Inc. Press Release:
AV Awarded $13.2M Contract to Provide P550 UAS for U.S. Army’s Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) Program, December 2025
[4] U.S. Army:
PM UAS Awards
Production Contract for Long Range Reconnaissance Systems to AV, March 2026
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4
Last Updated: 2 April 2026