USS Oak Hill Launches Puma AE UAV

Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 Detachment (Det.) 1 launched an Aqua Puma All Environment (AE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from the weather deck of USS Oak Hill (LSD 51)  in support of Amphibious – Southern Partnership Station 2012. The Aqua Puma is a hand-launched, high-wing monoplane with an electrically driven pusher propeller capable of water landings. It can fly for more than two hours and soar to heights of approximately 3,000 feet. “This is the first time we’ve attempted to use the UAV from aboard a moving vessel this size with so many other service branches present,” said Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Nicholas Nelson of RIVRON 3 Det. 1. The system is lightweight, portable and fitted with tiny high-resolution cameras that provide operators with real-time video footage of people and places on the ground and sea. It can support maritime patrols and special operations teams in search and rescue disaster response operations. “We can fly it at any time, day or night and it is water recoverable, making it an ideal choice for ships,” said RIVRON 3 Det. 1 Officer-in-charge Lt. Michael Diehl. The addition of the Aqua Puma AE UAV and RIVRON 3 Det. 1 extends the mission capabilities of […]
USS Oak Hill Launches Puma AE UAV