AeroVironment’s Mantis™ i45 gimbal delivers lightweight, compact and powerful visual awareness to the Puma™ AE small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operator and supports an advanced suite of sensors, including ultra high-resolution EO and IR imagers. The Mantis i45 gimbal is backward compatible, fully waterproof and provides nighttime and low light capabilities ranging from NearInfrared (NIR) to Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) imagery. During flight operations, the Mantis™ i45 gimbal provides full lower hemisphere coverage, continuous pan and is packaged to provide reliable operation in extreme environments.

AeroVironment’s Mantis™ i45 N is a multi-sensor nighttime imaging payload designed for maximum visibility during low light or nighttime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The next-generation imaging system features improved long-wave IR (LWIR) thermal cameras, an upgraded 5 megapixel monochrome low-light camera sensor and high-powered 860 nm laser illuminator. Through its advanced suite of sensors, the Mantis™ i45 N payload allows operators to extend aircraft standoff distance for covert operations.