AeroVironment declared the receipt of a Switchblade loitering munition systems and services contract from the United States Air Force. The $4,167,777 worth upgrades to an existing contract entails operational switchblade systems, operator training and engineering services.
AeroVironment, in association with its munition subcontractor, ATK, will perform the manufacture and commercialization of the systems.
Furthermore, AeroVironment declared about that it has completed a range of live fire demonstrations at a military facility for multiple U.S. government customers in December 2011. The demonstrations marked the switchblade system’s incredible ability to neutralize threats from a distant level in diverse environments.
The Switchblade loitering munition system is launched from a small tube that fits inside a backpack in order to perform wireless transmission of infrared video and live color that is displayed on the small, standard unmanned aircraft system (UAS) ground control unit of AeroVironment. With the help of the live video feed, the target position will be confirmed. The system operator will then transmit signals and commands to the air vehicle to arm its payload and fasten its trajectory onto the target. The aviation of switchblade at high speed yields accurate onboard explosive payload effect with reduced collateral damage. The Switchblade system is provided with several options to quickly activate a passive mode during operation.
The new switchblade variant is more efficient when compared to all the other weapon systems leveraged by other operating units. Troops can employ this novel system to respond to enemy combatants from a significant standoff distance with precision fire. With its dynamic protection capability, this system ensures secure operation.
Source: http://www.avinc.com/