The Grip TA5 was selected as the Dismounted Common Controller (DCC) as part of the $5.1M U.S. Army RCCTO Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) rapid prototyping project.
ARLINGTON, Va., [September 12, 2025] — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in all-domain defense technologies, today unveiled its Tomahawk Grip TA5. The Grip TA5 is an 8-inch tactical controller designed to deliver enhanced situational awareness, precision strike capabilities, and seamless scalability across mission sets for today’s modern warfighter.
Built to integrate with the military-grade Samsung Tab Active5 Tactical Edition, the Grip TA5 turns off-the-shelf tablets into mobile command centers. It’s modular architecture and multi-platform compatibility offers operators command and control of multiple robotic assets in real-time – enhancing mission adaptability and response speed. The system enables intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, target acquisition and tracking, situational command and control (C2), and fire control functions–enabling direct operation of lethal payloads, loitering munitions, and direct-fire weapons. At just 2.5 pounds, the compact, rugged controller meets MIL-STD-810 and adds enhanced software security, advanced networking, and hot-swapping flexibility—positioning AV as the permanent control layer regardless of the underlying device model.
“Our ability to deliver effective, next-generation solutions at mission scale and speed positions AV as a top developer and manufacturer in the defense industry,” said Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems for AV. “The Grip TA5 is more than a controller. It’s a force multiplier that brings speed, interoperability, and future-ready capabilities to the modern warfighter.”
In May, AV announced that its Tomahawk Ground Control Station (GCS) product line was awarded a $5.1 million contract by the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) in support of the Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) rapid prototyping project. The Grip TA5 was officially selected as the Dismounted Common Controller (DCC) to advance human-machine teaming and strengthen battlefield command and control.
AV previously developed and delivered multiple iterations of prototypes based on the previous Samsung Tab Active3 as part of the United States Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030. The Grip TA5 leverages lessons learned from this work, adding the interoperability and multi-mission capabilities needed to meet requirements for the U.S. Army’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordinance (LASSO), Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR), and Launched Effects (LE) programs while still maintaining operability with USMC programs, like Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB).
The Grip TA5 expands AV’s Tomahawk Ground Control Station product line, which also includes the Grip S20 designed around the Samsung Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition smart phone. Responding to operator feedback for larger screen sizes, the Grip TA5 offers a ruggedized and streamlined, cost-effective solution with an expandable port for dual 8-inch displays to boost visibility and efficiency. The controller will begin shipping as a standard catalog configuration or as an alternative option with AV platforms starting in late 2025.
“Developed for warfighters from warfighter feedback, the Grip TA5 highlights our focus on rapidly turning feedback into real, fielded innovation,” said John Bolen, AV’s Tomahawk GCS Product Line Manager. “By expanding screen size, enhancing networking, and offering scalability across clients, vehicles, and operations, we are giving soldiers a tactical edge on the battlefield.”
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