Defence Online

US Army places Switchblade contract with AeroVironment

Land October 17, 2016

The United States Army Close Combat Weapons Systems Project Office has awarded California-based AeroVironment, a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems, a contract for Block 10C Switchblade Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems (LMAMS) and support services valued at over $22.7 million.

The AeroVironment Switchblade, which was first deployed by US forces in 2011, provides warfighters with force protection and precision strike capabilities up to 10km from its launch location, with minimal to no collateral damage and wave-off capability.

Block 10C Switchblade, introduced by AeroVironment in May 2016, incorporates improvements based on feedback from users, including encrypted digital communications.

Delivery of the new Switchblade systems is anticipated within 12 months.

Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment Vice President and General Manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business, said: “Switchblade is a mature system, in production, that delivers unmatched force protection and precision strike capabilities to American forces. Soldier-portable and lightweight, Switchblade is a uniquely powerful LMAMS solution for complex combat environments.

“AeroVironment stands ready, with a proven product, supply chain and production system, to respond rapidly to this and future requirements.”

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Mark Lane is a defence writer for defenceonline.co.uk and the MoD’s Defence Contracts Bulletin. He is also editor of Global Trader, sub-editor of Insider Scotland and a former editor of Business Today.

AeroVironment International miniature missile unmanned US US Army

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