AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) received a three-year, $43 million contract from the Department of War Test Resource Management Center to integrate its PANTHER phased array antenna system on DoW SkyRange platforms.

The PANTHER system, which stands for Phased Array Next-gen Telemetry Hypersonic Emitter Receiver, will enhance weapons testing capabilities by providing multi-band, multi-target tracking for various missions and test scenarios. The technology offers autonomous operation with remote access and control capabilities.

SkyRange represents a DoW TRMC initiative that uses high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft equipped with telemetry, communications, and data-collection payloads to create airborne test infrastructure. The integration of PANTHER on these platforms provides a mobile solution for tracking multiple targets simultaneously.

The contract builds on AeroVironment's existing work integrating PANTHER systems on DoW SkyRange platforms at GrandSKY in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The company is working with the state of North Dakota and Bismarck State College to develop a certification program for technicians who will operate and maintain PANTHER systems.

Mary Clum, President of AV's Space, Cyber & Directed Energy segment, stated that the program aims to transform the nation's security testing infrastructure. Dr. Satya Ponnaluri, Vice President of Hypersonic RF and Radar at AV, noted that the technology will allow for more frequent testing cycles and faster weapons development timelines.

The information is based on a company press release statement.