Frontline requirements spur demand for Switchblade

AeroVironment reported on 15 May that it has been awarded a new Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems (LMAMS) contract from the US Army, with deliveries of its single-operator Switchblade loitering munition to begin in September 2020.

The latest $146 million deal includes $76 million for the first year of Switchblade systems procurement awarded by the US Army Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions project office. This is to meet an urgent operational requirement for frontline US forces.

The contract includes two additional one-year options (currently unfunded) that extend the period of performance until April 2023.

AeroVironment was originally selected to meet the LMAMS requirement in June 2011.

The combat-proven Switchblade is backpackable and can be rapidly deployed from ground platforms, including a six-pack launcher.

AeroVironment Tactical Missile Systems senior product line general manager Brett Hush said: ‘We will continue to enhance the capabilities of this battle-proven product, and stand ready with a proven supply chain and customer support system in order to respond effectively to US and allied customers’ needs.’

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Switchblade 300