USSOCOM places order for Switchblade 600
US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is procuring an undisclosed number of Switchblade 600 loitering munition systems, manufacturer AeroVironment revealed on 27 April.
The order was placed on 31 March for delivery and integration of Switchblade 600s into specialised maritime platforms, for precision engagement of naval and littoral threats.
AeroVironment expects to complete deliveries to USSOCOM by January 2023.
Switchblade 600 is an all-in-one, man-portable solution equipped with a high-performance EO/IR gimballed sensor suite, precision flight control and more than 40min of flight time for ISTAR.
The loitering munition consists of a simple box-shaped fuselage with two pairs of folding wings and two tail fins.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, a single system contains a 22.7kg Switchblade 600 munition, a self-contained tube-launcher, a touch-screen ground control system and an antenna.
The entire system can be fitted into two 180cm x 46cm x 43cm transportable cases. The case which houses the launcher and munition weighs 40.8kg, while the other case weighs 54.1kg.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Air Warfare
-
NATO’s E-3A fleet more important than ever, says force commander
NATO’s E-3A fleet will have been in service for more than half a century by the time of their expected retirement but a boost to the capability and conflict elsewhere have highlighted their importance.
-
New Turkish Kemankes loitering munition begins testing
The Kemankes 2 was said to be designed to conduct deep-strike missions on high-priority targets.
-
NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet
NATO’s E-3A AWACS fleet has been scheduled for retirement from 2035. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has been leading the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) project to develop new options for future surveillance and control capabilities, based on future technology and requirements.