AeroVironment Switchblade: Difference between revisions
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In May 2012, the [[United States Marine Corps]] ordered the Switchblade UAV.<ref>[http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2012/05/marine-switchblade-kamikaze-drone-strick-ied-teams-051512w/ Marine Corps pursues ‘kamikaze’ drone] - Marine Corps Times.com, May 16, 2012</ref> |
In May 2012, the [[United States Marine Corps]] ordered the Switchblade UAV.<ref>[http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2012/05/marine-switchblade-kamikaze-drone-strick-ied-teams-051512w/ Marine Corps pursues ‘kamikaze’ drone] - Marine Corps Times.com, May 16, 2012</ref> |
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In August 2013, AeroVironment was awarded five contracts totaling $15.8 million to supply more Switchblade systems, ancillary equipment, and support to the Army.<ref>[http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/aerovironment-wins-us-army-switchblade-award/ AeroVironment wins US Army Switchblade award] - Shephardmedia.com, 28 August 2013</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 19:05, 28 August 2013
| Switchblade | |
|---|---|
| Role | Attack UAV |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| Introduction | 2011 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Army United States Marine Corps |
The Switchblade is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by AeroVironment. It is designed as a "kamikaze," being able to crash into its target with an explosive warhead to destroy it. The Switchblade is small enough to be carried in a backpack and can be launched from a variety of ground and air platforms.[1]
Design
The Switchblade has a small warhead and is launched from a 60 cm long container/launcher tube. As it launches its small wings unfold and can be guided to its target via a nose-mounted camera. The operator looks through a viewer that displays video from the drone. Switchblade can also be directed to co-ordinates using Global Positioning System (GPS). Powered by an electric motor it can reach speeds up to 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph) and loiter for up to 40 minutes.[2] The Switchblade weights 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) and can be fired from a man-portable launch tube or a 70 mm rocket pod. It is operated by the same equipment used to control other AeroVironment UAVs. The explosive effect of the warhead is about equivalent to a hand grenade.[3]
History
The Switchblade was first tested in 2010 by the United States Army. 10 were purchased for evaluation and were deployed successfully.[3] In September 2011, the Army ordered over a hundred for troop use.[4] The Army then issued a $5.1 million contract modification effective March 20, 2012 to their previous order to produce and deliver more systems.[5]
In May 2012, the United States Marine Corps ordered the Switchblade UAV.[6]
In August 2013, AeroVironment was awarded five contracts totaling $15.8 million to supply more Switchblade systems, ancillary equipment, and support to the Army.[7]
References
- ^ Aerovironment Switchblade - Aerovironent
- ^ http://defense-update.com/products/s/switchblade_31122010.html Defense Update
- ^ a b http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20110506.aspx
- ^ Switchblade enters service - Strategypage.com, September 24, 2011
- ^ U.S. Army Awards AeroVironment $5.1 Million Order for Switchblade - Aerovironment press release, May 23, 2012
- ^ Marine Corps pursues ‘kamikaze’ drone - Marine Corps Times.com, May 16, 2012
- ^ AeroVironment wins US Army Switchblade award - Shephardmedia.com, 28 August 2013
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