The Puma All Environment (AE), designated the RQ-20A by the U.S. Army, is a small, battery-powered uncrewed aircraft system designed primarily for surveillance and intelligence gathering. It is hand-launched and features an electro-optical and infrared camera for live-stream video. The aircraft offers significant endurance, up to three hours, with multi-mission capable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance features. The fuselage has been strengthened for increased durability, making it hard-wearing and enabling it to withstand repeated recoveries in various environments.
The manufacturer, AeroVironment, was founded in 1971 by Paul B. MacCready Jr. and has become a foundational developer of small uncrewed aerial systems. The Puma AE was first selected by the United States Special Operations Command in 2008 and saw further orders from the Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force beginning in 2012.
Access and maintenance needs for this small aircraft typically do not require large-scale platforms or stands. The maintenance of the components and sections of the Puma AE—including the nose, fuselage, wings, and tail—is generally accomplished without elevated access equipment. However, smaller access aids such as platform ladders or maintenance stands could be applicable for detailed work or component storage. The range of access solutions listed, such as Cantilever Platforms or Bridge Decks, are generally associated with larger crewed aircraft maintenance needs and are not necessary for the inspection and servicing of the Puma AE.
