Intro
Switchblade 600
The Switchblade 600 is AeroVironment’s extended-range loitering munition optimized for precision anti-armor and tactical strike missions. It is a self-contained system that includes launch hardware, an EO/IR (electro-optical/infrared) gimbaled sensor suite, a precision flight control system, and a lethal anti-armor warhead. The system is launched from a transport tube that can be integrated into ground, air, or maritime platforms and set up in under ten minutes. Its tablet-based Fire Control Unit (FCU) supports tap-to-target guidance, manual or autonomous flight, a built-in mission planner, and a training simulator. The system typically weighs approximately 29.5 kg all-up round (AUR) with a 50+ min endurance, and can strike out to over 90+ km with forward-pass extended range. It cruises at roughly 113 km/h and can sprint up to 185 km/h, delivering precision effects to non-line-of-sight armored targets with minimal collateral damage. Its patented wave-off and recommit feature allows operators to abort imminent impacts and re-task the munition as needed.
Switchblade 600 (Block 2)
The Block 2 variant builds on the 600 baseline with significant endurance and capability improvements. It features an upgraded airframe, larger wings, and a higher-capacity power source, boosting loiter time beyond 50 min. The system also supports relay and handoff ranges in excess of 100 km, with operations extending into contested communication environments. Block 2 adds a secondary payload bay for mission kits, AI/ML-enabled automatic target recognition (ATR), encrypted M-code GPS, advanced radios (Silvus MANET) for resilient command and control, and an IP67 maritime rating for shipboard deployment. This moves the 600 into a multi-mission, multi-domain precision effects role with enhanced networked capabilities.
Switchblade 400
The Switchblade 400 is a medium-range loitering munition designed to bridge the gap between small tactical drones and the larger 600 series. Weighing under 18 kg all-up round, it delivers anti-armor precision effects with significant stand-off capability for dismounted forces. The 400 generally offers mid-30 min endurance and engagement envelopes out to approximately 65 km, with sensor suites that support target recognition both day and night. It is optimized for rapid deployment and setup, giving a single operator a lightweight standoff anti-armor capability that approaches the lethality of larger systems while maintaining rapid mobilization.
Switchblade 300
The Switchblade 300 is the lightweight, backpackable loitering munition in the family, ideal for short-range reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical strike missions. Weighing roughly 2.5 kg and deployable in under two minutes from its launch tube, the 300 provides up to 15 min of loiter time and can be piloted remotely or guided autonomously. It offers high-speed transit and precise targeting against static or mobile threats, paired with real-time video and GPS coordinate telemetry to enhance situational awareness. The 300 is designed for rapid response and precise effects while minimizing collateral damage, making it suitable for tactical applications where mobility and speed are critical