President of Autonomous Systems, Aerovironment
Search every verified Trace Stevenson interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a September 2018 interview at the DSEI trade show, Trace Stevenson, then vice president and deputy general manager of AeroVironment's unmanned systems division, discussed the company's recent product launches and strategic priorities. He stated that AeroVironment had unveiled a long-range tracking antenna for its Puma product line, which he said extends the aircraft's range from 20 to 60 kilometers in response to customer demand for longer endurance and range. Stevenson also highlighted the Snipe micro UAV, describing it as a small, soldier-portable system with a flight time of 15 minutes and a range of about one kilometer, which he noted was being sold internationally and to the U.S. military. Stevenson attributed AeroVironment's market position to its investment in research and development, which he said exceeds that of most aerospace companies, and to its focus on recruiting young talent. He mentioned that the company's commercial Quantix product line, which includes a decision support system for data analysis in agriculture and electrical infrastructure, would serve as a foundation for future military products aimed at providing soldiers with processed data rather than raw data. Stevenson also emphasized the importance of a common, encrypted digital data link across AeroVironment's product family as a differentiator in a competitive market.
“Last year we did about approximately 270 million dollars in sales and tremendous growth over the last 15 years especially in the smaller end of the market where you guys have really been innovating and pushing the envelope.”
“We unveiled our long-range tracking antenna system for our Puma product line which enables our Puma to fly from extends the range of Puma from 20 kilometers to 60 kilometers. The reason we've done that is our customers continue to give us feedback and one of the things they've asked for is longer range.”
“We work with different battery manufacturers to try and get more efficient batteries and we really try and just stand in front of the market and figure out how we can incorporate those technologies in our products going forward to give the customers added capability.”
“There has been a huge proliferation especially in the small space where we're at so we have to defend ourselves against that. One of the things that we do is we offer a family of systems connected by a common digital data link that's encrypted and interoperable with US forces.”
“Through our US customers we've won every U.S. program of record so the rest of the world looks at that and we continue incorporating new technologies to differentiate ourselves, especially through interoperability in our digital data link.”
“One of the things our customers want is longer endurance and longer range, that's why we released the new antenna at the show. They also want a smaller footprint so our focus is developing products that can be operated by one or two people minimum.”
“This is our new Snipe micro UAV intended for the soldier; it's very small, flies about a kilometer for 15 minutes, has rechargeable replaceable batteries so the soldier can continue the mission by swapping batteries.”
“We are now selling the Snipe micro UAV internationally and also to the US military. Pricing depends on volume, accessories, and tablet options, but it is designed as an expendable class on the tactical level.”
“On the commercial side, we recently released our Quantix product line with a decision support system for data analysis, meant for agriculture and electrical infrastructure. We plan to incorporate this foundation into our military products to provide soldiers with processed data rather than raw data.”
“We focus on bringing in young talent and invest more in research and development than most aerospace companies. We're viewed as a technology company rather than just an aerospace and defense company, and that's one of the reasons we stay ahead.”
Trace Stevenson, vice president and deputy general manager at AeroVironment, discusses the Long-Range Tracking Antenna ...
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