AeroVironment, Inc. today announced it recently received an order from the United States Air Force for Switchblade loitering munition systems and services. The $4,167,777 extension to an existing contract includes engineering services, operational Switchblade systems and operator training. AeroVironment will work with ATK , its munition subcontractor, to produce and deliver the systems. AeroVironment also announced that it performed a successful series of live fire demonstrations for multiple U.S. government customers at a military facility in December 2011. The daytime and nighttime demonstrations further illustrated the unique capabilities of the Switchblade system to neutralize threats from a stand-off distance in a variety of operating environments. The Switchblade loitering munition system launches from a small tube that can be carried in a backpack and transmits live color and infrared video wirelessly for display on AeroVironment’s standard small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) ground control unit. Upon confirming the target using the live video feed, the system operator then sends a command to the air vehicle to arm its payload and lock its trajectory onto the target. Switchblade flies quietly at high speed and delivers the effects of its onboard explosive payload with precision while minimizing collateral damage. The operator can call off a strike even after […]
US Air Force Awards AeroVironment $4.2m for Switchblade Loitering Munition System
US Air Force Awards AeroVironment $4.2m for Switchblade Loitering Munition System
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