Arthur McMiler 
- AV is partnering with Elsight to boost connectivity of its Mayhem 10 in contested settings
- Elsight’s Halo merges satellite, cellular and radio links into one channel to sustain operator control
- Mayhem 10’s open architecture previously enabled integration of Applied Intuition’s autonomy software
AeroVironment is integrating Mayhem 10, its autonomous launched effects system, with the Halo connectivity technology offered by Elsight under a partnership between the two companies. AV said Wednesday that the combination is expected to enable Mayhem 10 to manage multiple communication networks via a single connectivity layer, with the ultimate aim of ensuring communication in contested environments.
What Are Mayhem 10 and Halo?
Mayhem 10 is a multirole system designed for kinetic and non-kinetic effects across the air, land and sea domains. Its modular design supports strike, electronic warfare and communications relay payloads, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance packages. The system is designed to carry a 10-pound payload, fly more than 100 kilometers and stay aloft for over 50 minutes. It is built to resist jamming and spoofing in GPS-denied settings.
The system features an open architecture that makes it possible to incorporate third-party technologies. In July, AV teamed with Applied Intuition to integrate the latter’s Acuity ISR/Strike software, enabling a single operator to direct swarms of Mayhem 10s on hunter-killer missions.
Halo works to to intelligently bring together multiple communication links into one connection. It also works to adapt to changing network conditions without user intervention.
What Did AV and Elsight Execs Say About the Partnership?
Commenting on the partnership, Elsight CEO Yoav Amitai said, “Integrating our technology with Mayhem 10 will help operators maintain reliable control across changing and contested environments, without the added workload of managing multiple communications links.”
For his part, Austin Miller, vice president and general manager of AV’s loitering munition systems business unit, underscored the importance of reliable communications to the success of missions, adding, “Mayhem 10 was built to evolve with the mission. Its open architecture allows us to integrate new capabilities quickly, giving operators more flexibility and resilience as threats and operational demands change.”
What Other Programs Is AV Pursuing?
The integration follows several recent AV contract awards and production investments. In July, the company booked an $80.5 million purchase order from Joint Interagency Task Force 401 for its Titan MS counter-unmanned aircraft system, supporting the Department of War’s Domestic Shield program. AV secured in June a $117.3 million Army contract for 82 P550 unmanned aircraft.
AV is also expanding its Huntsville, Alabama, facility by 24,000 square feet to produce the Next-Generation Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Missile. And in April, the company unveiled Halo Shield, a modular counter-drone defense system.
