Enhanced Operational Features and Performance
AeroVironment has introduced the Switchblade 300 Block 20 rapidly-deployable loitering munition, offering users significantly enhanced operational features and performance.
Portable, weighing under 5lbs and easy to operate, the missile requires only a single operator. The new tablet-based fire control system allows operators to easily train, plan, and execute missions. Operation of the system is further simplified by offering an integrated control directly onto the launcher tube. “Since pioneering the loitering missile category with Switchblade 300 more than a decade ago, our tactical missile systems have proven to be a game-changing capability for both US and allied forces, providing a remarkably rapid, precise and effective way to address lethal threats,” commented Brett Hush, AeroVironment’s VP/GM of the tactical missile systems product line. “Switchblade 300 Block 20 will continue to build on the system’s battle-proven legacy”.
The system can be brought into action in under two minutes from land, sea, or mobile platforms, providing greater mission flexibility. It features longer endurance, improved digital datalink range, a new EO/IR panning camera suite, and left-hand commit with continuous positive identification. Like its predecessor, Switchblade 300 Block 20 maintains the patented wave-off capability, enabling the operator to recommit against moving targets in highly dynamic environments.
Switchblade 300 Block 20 provides small expeditionary units with stand-alone precision lethality with minimal collateral effects. Delivering over 20 minutes of tactical ISRTA capabilities, it offers real-time video for use against beyond-line-of-sight targets. Cursor-on-target GPS coordinates provide situational awareness, information collection, targeting and feature/object recognition, which together deliver the actionable intelligence and precision firepower needed to achieve mission success across multiple domains.
