$20.3 Million Deal for Loitering Tactical Missile System

For years, “smart” missiles, the hypothetical autonomous munitions have remained a futuristic element relegated to media and gaming.

Finally, it seems, reality is catching up to fiction. Referred to as a “Loitering Missile”, the Switchblade 600 represents a new generation of semi-autonomous, ranged munitions that have come of age in recent years to face rapid integration into armed forces looking for enhanced lethality with minimal operations footprints. Consisting of a man-portable, 33 pound, drone-like warhead and 50 pound launch and communications system, the weapon system offers considerable flexibility in munitions delivery with very small changes to existing infrastructure, easing integration and loading. The trend has continued with their new contract for $20.3 million with USSOCOM, one of the more well-heeled military buyers ready to integrate bleeding-edge technology into their combat capabilities. 

Flexibility is the greatest benefit of the loitering missile system, with other boons like speed, ease, and portability that make it possible for missions to be planned and operational in less than 10 minutes. Using the small tube launcher, the Switchblade is sent into a holding pattern above, capable of 40 minutes’ hang time awaiting command, equipped with precision EO/IR gimbaled sensors, precision flight control, and an anti-armor warhead.

The self-contained system awaits instructions and targeting for non-line-of-sight targets and light-armored vehicles for precise lethality without the need for external ISR or surveillance assets. If conditions change, or the target unavailable, the command can be waved-off and recommitted to other targets according to operator command. AeroVironment notes the easy integration across any branch, with the system usable from fixed defensive positions, combat vehicles, or air-launched applications as necessary. 

The contract will be filled by January 2023. The purchase is a feather in the cap for AeroVironment, as they further develop their Switchblade series and Blackwing loitering reconnaissance systems. It’s no secret that any system fielded by the “tip of the spear” SOCOM units becomes the newest must-have tactical trend, as so many manufacturers can attest to.

FMI: www.avinc.com/tms/switchblade-600