Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Navy Deploys Puma UAS From Patrol Ships, Destroyers
The hand-launched drone supports surface ships that do not have their own organic helicopter or aircraft capability, according to the Navy.
U.S. sailors conduct pre-flight checks of the Puma AE during missile-system testing in the Arabian Gulf. (Photo: U.S. Navy)
U.S. sailors conduct pre-flight checks of the Puma AE during missile-system testing in the Arabian Gulf. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

The U.S. Navy deployed the hand-launched AeroVironment Puma unmanned aircraft system (UAS) from a coastal patrol ship to provide area surveillance during recent missile-system testing in Arabian Gulf. The service has also tested the small UAS from guided missile destroyers and an expeditionary fast transport ship, and it is currently training sailors to operate the system.