We have talked about “Switchblade” loitering munition before. I will not repeat the earlier discussion, but recently found this video and wanted to pass it along.
The systems are still out there and making news.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog
We have talked about “Switchblade” loitering munition before. I will not repeat the earlier discussion, but recently found this video and wanted to pass it along.
The systems are still out there and making news.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
Chuck you might have missed it. But there is a larger Switchblade munition, the Switchblade 600. Might be more up your street…longer range, longer endurance…with a much larger warhead (it has the same warhead as a Javelin ATGM, so could take out an MBT).Works alongside the Puma AE like the smaller Switchblade (uses the same control system as well, so plug and play between the 2). Also has automated tracking of targets so any issues with jitter/lag on the connection to the operator could be alleviated. And has a wave off mode so an attack can be aborted.
Should do more than take a cabin cruiser out…
https://www.avinc.com/tms/switchblade-600
Some discussion about use of loitering munitions against ships here. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/december/use-loitering-munitions-against-ships
US is sending 100 to Ukraine. Good video of the system in operation. Warhead does appear very small. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44785/ukrainian-president-zelensky-pleads-for-air-defenses-in-speech-to-u-s-congress
Another suicide drone, similar to switchblade, being sent to Ukraine.
https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2022/04/kyiv-asked-new-kamikaze-drone-fight-russia-air-force-delivered-phoenix-ghost/365945/
Information on the larger Switchblade 600 going to Ukraine.
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/08/22/delayed-kamikaze-drone-for-ukraine-on-track-for-next-month-pentagon/
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The U.S. Army Won’t Buy Any More Switchblade 300 Kamikaze Drones https://www.19fortyfive.com/2023/07/the-u-s-army-wont-buy-anymore-switchblade-300-kamikaze-drones/
Marines are still buying Hero 120.
This was issued before the report immediately above but seems odd that they would order in June and say they would never order again in July.
https://www.militaryaerospace.com/unmanned/article/14295582/smart-mortar-unmanned-light-armored-vehicles
“Army asks AeroVironment to build compact Switchblade unmanned anti-personnel smart mortar for infantry” https://www.militaryaerospace.com/uncrewed/article/14303891/unmanned-smart-mortar-anti-personnel
“Officials of the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., announced an $65.4 million order to AeroVironment in December to build the Switchblade armed loitering unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that launches from a small tube that can be carried in a warfighter’s backpack.
“The Switchblade attack drone system, which essentially functions as a smart mortar round, transmits live color and infrared video wirelessly after launch for display on a small ground-control unit. The operator confirms the target using the live video feed, commands the air vehicle to arm its payload and lock its trajectory onto the target.”
Switchblade 600 kamikaze drones in the running for Replicator mass production
Marines pick three companies for loitering munitions program (defensenews.com)
Just saw this.
“AeroVironment Inc., Simi Valley, California, was awarded a $32,120,832 modification (P00044) to contract W31P4Q-20-C-0024 for the Switchblade Weapon System. Work will be performed in Simi Valley, California, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2024. Fiscal 2023 other procurement, Army funds and Marine Corps funds in the amount of $32,120,832 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.”
unmanned smart mortar video | Military Aerospace
Army to buy more than 1,000 Switchblade drones through Replicator (defensenews.com)
These are the larger Switchblade 600s.
Pentagon To Send Switchblade Attack Drones to Taiwan – Warrior Maven: Center for Military Modernization
Aerovironment wins nearly $1B to supply Switchblade munitions to Army (defensenews.com)
Pentagon announces new batch of drones for Replicator program