Small UAS Promises Better Precision, Less Collateral Damage

Science fiction writers have imagined small, scary robots which fly after individual characters with ill intent, and they've been one of the scarier parts of stories as recent as last season's TV mini-series, "V." Now, they're fiction no more, and the US Army wants them as quickly as possible.

Aerovironment, Inc. calls its small, tube-launched UAV the "Switchblade Agile Munition," after the manner in which its wings unfold as it leaves its launch tube. It's becoming known informally among YouTube enthusiasts as the "kamikaze drone." At under 2.2 kg (4.8 lb.), the aircraft, along with its launcher, control system and video downlink viewer all fit in a backpack. Switchblade can be set up and launched in seconds.

AeroVironment says it has received a contract from the US Army worth $4,907,840 for Switchblade, including engineering services and operational systems for deployment. The prototype received Safety Confirmation and underwent Military Utility Assessment with the Army in the fall of last year. The award is for rapid fielding of this capability to deployed combat forces.

Switchblade transmits live color video. Upon confirming the target, the operator sends a command to the air vehicle to arm it and lock its trajectory onto the target. Flying quietly at high speed using an electric motor, Switchblade delivers its onboard explosive payload with precision while minimizing collateral damage. With the ability to call off a strike even after the air vehicle is armed, Switchblade provides a level of control not available in other weapon systems.

A report from AFP News notes the larger drones used to target and kill suspects in locations such as Pakistan have generated anger among locals when their Hellfire missiles and other large ordnance have caused extensive damage and killed nearby civilians. Switchblade promises to be a much more surgical approach.

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