AeroVironment Inc. received an $11.5 million order for its Puma unmanned aircraft from the U.S. Special Operation Command. The aircraft, manufactured in Simi Valley, will be delivered over the next several months. The Puma system includes three air vehicles and two ground control systems. The aircraft weighs 13 pounds and is used for surveillance and reconnaissance. “Puma is already making a difference in the field. Our customers cite the quality of its imagery and its overall usefulness, which they say make Puma instrumental in saving lives,” said Tom Herring, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment. “We see more opportunities ahead for Puma to help our customers where and when they need it.”