AeroVironment awarded USAF Switchblade order
AeroVironment has announced that it has received an order from the United States Air Force (USAF) for Switchblade loitering munition systems and services. The company announced the extension order, worth $4,167,777, on 15 February 2012.
The order is an extension to an existing contract, and includes engineering services, operational Switchblade systems and operator training. AeroVironment will work with ATK, its munition subcontractor, to produce and deliver the systems.
AeroVironment also announced that it performed a successful series of live fire demonstrations for multiple US government customers at a military facility in December 2011. The daytime and nighttime demonstrations further illustrated the unique capabilities of the Switchblade system to neutralise threats from a stand-off distance in a variety of operating environments.
The Switchblade loitering munition system launches from a small tube that can be carried in a backpack and transmits live colour and infrared video wirelessly for display on AeroVironment’s standard small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) ground control unit. Upon confirming the target using the live video feed, the system operator then sends a command to the air vehicle to arm its payload and lock its trajectory onto the target. Switchblade flies quietly at high speed and delivers the effects of its onboard explosive payload with precision while minimizing collateral damage. The operator can call off a strike even after the Switchblade system is armed, providing a level of control not available in other weapon systems.
Instead of requiring support from weapon systems controlled by other operating units, troops can use the ground launched Switchblade variant to respond to enemy combatants with precision fire from a significant standoff distance, when and where required, representing a valuable new force protection capability.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.