By Garrett Reim2021-01-15T23:53:00+00:00 AeroVironment, a manufacturer of small unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), plans to buy Arcturus UAV in a $405 million deal. The acquisition is intended to expand AeroVironment’s portfolio with larger group 2 and group 3 UAVs. Group 2 UAVs are classified as weighing between 9.5kg (21lb) and 24.9kg. Group 3 UAVs are classified as weighing between 25.4kg and 599kg. So far, AeroVironment’s products were almost entirely group 1 UAVs, weighing 9.07kg or less. Source: US Army Soldier conducts an engine start on the Arcturus Jump 20 prior to a launch during the FTUAS capabilities assessment The acquisition also gives AeroVironment an opportunity to get back into the US Army’s Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) competition. Arcturus’ Jump 20 drone made the cut into the next round of the completion, while AeroVironment’s joint bid with Aerovel did not.