Unmanned aircraft manufacturer AeroVirnoment Inc. is among five companies participating in a $248 million U.S. Army contract to supply drones. The contract allows the Monrovia-based company to continue selling its Raven and Puma aircraft to the Army. AeroVironment develops, manufactures and tests the Raven, Puma and other small unmanned aircraft in Simi Valley. The Raven has a wingspan of 4.5 feet and weighs 4.8 pounds, while the Puma is larger with a wingspan of 9.2 feet and weighs 13 pounds. Both aircraft are hand launched and carry cameras for reconnaissance missions. AeroVironment has participated in every major Pentagon unmanned aircraft contract and shown it can deliver systems to support soldiers, said Roy Minson, AeroVironment senior vice president in a prepared statement. Shares of AeroVironment closed Tuesday at $21.57, a loss of 40 cents or 2 percent in trading on the Nasdaq.