Power Technology Industry Executive Wahid Nawabi Joins AeroVironment as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Efficient Energy Systems Business Segment

December 13, 2011

Senior Vice President Mike Bissonette Transitions to Deputy General Manager
Bissonette will Focus on Enhancing Operational Performance

MONROVIA, Calif. Dec. 13, 2011 -- AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced that Wahid Nawabi, an experienced executive from the power technology industry, has joined the company as senior vice president and general manager of its Efficient Energy Systems (EES) business segment. AeroVironment's board of directors approved Nawabi's appointment as an officer of the company, effective immediately.

Nawabi joins AeroVironment after a 20-year career as an executive with advanced technology companies in industries spanning clean technology, industrial/electrical equipment manufacturing, telecom, and energy. During his 16 years at American Power Conversion (APC), the company's revenue increased from $50 million to more than $2.4 billion and it became the world leader in power protection. Nawabi started and led the Enterprise/Data Center business at APC, growing revenue to $600 million between 2000 and 2008. He also led C&D Technologies® Americas business. Nawabi earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Maryland at College Park in Electrical Engineering, concentrating in Power.

Mike Bissonette will assume the role of senior vice president and deputy general manager of the EES business segment, and will work closely with Nawabi. Bissonette will oversee program management, production, engineering and quality assurance.

"Our Efficient Energy Systems business segment is poised for continued growth as the demand for electric vehicle solutions accelerates. Wahid brings a demonstrated ability to grow power technology businesses profitably to the benefit of customers, employees and stockholders," said Tim Conver, AeroVironment chairman and chief executive officer. "Mike Bissonette's leadership helped to build this growth platform, and he will now focus on enhancing operational performance to support the growth opportunities we are working to realize," Conver added.

"AeroVironment has a storied history and track record of introducing practical innovations that help its customers succeed," said Nawabi. "The company has established leadership positions in the markets for electric vehicle test systems, industrial electric vehicle charging systems and passenger electric vehicle charging solutions. I look forward to working with Mike and the team to further our market leadership and to realize the potential for this organization," said Nawabi.

About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a global leader in intelligent multi-domain robotic systems, uncrewed aircraft and ground systems, sensors, software analytics, and connectivity. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, AeroVironment delivers actionable intelligence so our customers can proceed with certainty. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

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