AeroVironment, Robotic Skies partner to provide UAS maintenance support for customers

October 1, 2020 | AUVSI News

AeroVironment announced a teaming agreement this week with Robotic Skies to provide field maintenance, inspection and repair support for AeroVironment customers.

A global maintenance, repair, and overhaul network for UAS, Robotic Skies provides UAS fleet operators with local, aviation-grade maintenance services through teaming agreements with companies such as AeroVironment. The company delivers high-quality, scalable services through its repair network thanks to a unique combination of expertise in UAS and traditional aviation maintenance methodology.

“Our customers rely on AeroVironment’s market-leading unmanned aircraft systems to perform critical missions, making timely field maintenance and local support essential,” says Rick Pedigo, AeroVironment vice president of sales and business development.

“By teaming with Robotic Skies, our valued customers can expect an even higher level of responsiveness and customer service through a broad service center network, which comprises 200 independently owned and operated, certified repair stations. This relationship will enable our customers to keep their UAS in operation, maximizing their productivity.”

Capable of delivering 60 minutes of cruise endurance and up to 10 pounds of flexible payload capacity, AeroVironment’s all-electric VAPOR helicopter UAS has a modular payload bay that provides access to various integrated sensors and third-party payloads including gimbaled EO/IR, survey grade PPK mapping, lidar and hyperspectral sensors, and an available Drop/Delivery Mechanism.

According to AeroVironment, VAPOR is capable of performing no shortage of missions for defense, commercial and industrial applications, which enables customers to choose the right configuration based on mission requirements, and the flexibility to create custom configurations that incorporate end-user provided equipment.

“We are excited to work with AeroVironment as they grow their fleet. For example, the VAPOR helicopter unmanned aircraft system is capable of operating beyond visual line of sight, and for customers flying under a FAA Part 107 line of sight waiver there are specific requirements to maintain the aircraft in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations,” says Robotic Skies Founder and CEO, Brad Hayden.

“With Robotic Skies, AeroVironment customers can get the benefit of high-quality, OEM-certified maintenance and the peace of mind knowing they can meet any maintenance-related waiver requirements.”