AeroVironment details additional Switchblade orders

The US Army has placed orders for the AeroVironment Switchblade tactical missile system, ancillary equipment and support, worth a total of $36.7 million. The orders comprise contract modifications awarded by the US Army Close Combat Weapons Systems Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS).

The orders were issued on 20 August, 4 September and 5 September, under a sole source contract established on 30 August, 2012.  All orders under this contract include operational and training rounds plus training, support and rapid delivery to support ongoing customer operations. AeroVironment will work with strategic teammate for advanced warheads, ATK, to produce and deliver these systems.

Switchblade provides a high-precision, direct fire capability at beyond-line-of-sight ranges in a rapidly deployable, back-packable package weighing six pounds.

Tim Conver, chairman and CEO, AeroVironment, said: ‘Even in tight defence budget environments, there is a need for innovative new weapon systems that allow our customers to achieve decisive force while reducing total mission costs. This surge of demand for Switchblade represents a breakthrough in its transition from development, testing and evaluation to adoption.

‘Our team is relentlessly focused on delivering new capabilities that help our customers succeed, and Switchblade is a clear example of our growth thesis working, from innovation to adoption.  It’s creating a pathway to a compelling new capability for the army, and long-term growth for the company.’

Roy Minson, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment, added: ‘Switchblade helps protect our forces from harm in very dangerous situations. It provides a new and effective way for our forces to respond quickly to threats while reducing or even eliminating collateral damage through its set of unique capabilities.  Switchblade is a smart, modern and cost-effective tool for force protection.’