AeroVironment Inc. received a $7.3 million contract from the U.S. Army to provide support services for the Puma unmanned aircraft. The Monrovia-based company, which develops, manufacturers and tests its unmanned aircraft at facilities in Simi Valley, will provide the services over the next 12 months. The Army Special Operations Command selected the Puma aircraft in 2008 to use for reconnaissance in war zones. The Puma is a 13-pound, battery-powered aircraft with a video camera that operates in bad weather and over rugged terrain. Mark R. Madler