AeroVironment has been awarded a $43 million contract to integrate phased array receivers onto the US Department of Defense’s SkyRange platforms, strengthening telemetry and tracking support for hypersonic missile testing. The SkyRange initiative, managed by Northrop Grumman, is converting retired US Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial systems into specialized “Range Hawks” designed to support advanced hypersonic test missions.
As part of the contract, AeroVironment will equip the fleet with its proprietary Phased Array Next-generation Telemetry Hypersonic Emitter Receiver (PANTHER), an all-digital antenna system developed to capture, monitor, and analyze telemetry data during high-speed weapons trials. The upgrade is expected to significantly improve the drones’ ability to track multiple hypersonic projectiles simultaneously, enabling more accurate assessment of systems operating at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
The PANTHER system features a flexible, software-defined architecture capable of supporting multichannel communications for operational and testing environments. Designed for remote and autonomous operation, the antenna solution can collect signals without mechanical steering systems and can be adapted for additional frequency bands. The system is also compatible with both airborne and ground-based deployment platforms.
AeroVironment stated that the award further reinforces its role in supporting advanced defense test infrastructure aimed at reducing technical risks and accelerating development timelines. The company is continuing integration activities for the SkyRange program at the GrandSKY business park in Grand Forks, North Dakota, while also collaborating with regional institutions such as Bismarck State College to establish training programs for future PANTHER operations and sustainment personnel.
