Switchblade (d1fbce10-7b71-5d64-a4d1-ad372b3b22d3)
The AeroVironment Switchblade family is a man‑portable, electric‑powered loitering‑munition system that provides infantry‑level precision strike capability. Launched from a lightweight tube, the 300‑variant (≈2.5 kg, 0.7 m wingspan) can loiter for up to 20 minutes, travel at 101 km/h cruise and 161 km/h dash, and engage soft targets or light armor with a selectable fragmentation or EFP warhead. The larger 600‑variant (≈15 kg) extends range to 40 km and carries an anti‑armor warhead comparable to a Javelin. Operated via a tablet‑based fire‑control unit with encrypted data‑link, Switchblade offers “wave‑off” abort capability and real‑time video, making it ideal for rapid response to ambushes, IED sites, and high‑value targets. Current users include the United States, Ukraine, Lithuania, France and other NATO partners.