POTTSTOWN, PA — AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) said it has launched the Mission Specialist Wraith, a new unmanned underwater vehicle designed to deliver enhanced agility, power, and control for demanding subsea operations.
The Wraith is the latest addition to the Mission Specialist UUV series developed by VideoRay, a wholly owned subsidiary of AeroVironment. The company said the platform is engineered to support expeditionary missions where compact size, rapid deployment, and precise maneuverability are critical.
AeroVironment said Wraith provides true six-degree-of-freedom movement through 10 vectored thrusters, allowing operators to maintain stability and control in strong currents and at depth while operating in vertical, inverted, or fully rolled orientations. The design is intended to expand operational flexibility in complex underwater environments.
The vehicle supports a range of modular payloads, including advanced imaging, navigation, and manipulation tools, positioning it for use across defense, subsea inspection, and scientific applications.
“Modern operations increasingly depend on access, awareness, and freedom of maneuver below the surface,” said Chris Gibson, chief executive officer of VideoRay. He said the system offers precision and control previously associated with larger vehicles, while reducing risk to personnel and enabling faster response in maritime missions.
AeroVironment said the Wraith reflects continued investment in unmanned systems that extend operational reach while maintaining a compact footprint. The company added that the platform is designed to meet growing demand for versatile underwater vehicles capable of operating in contested and constrained environments.
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