Army awards AeroVironment $22.8 million contract for Block 10C Switchblade system

The U.S. Army Close Combat Weapons Systems Project Office recently awarded a $22.8 million contract to AeroVironment Inc. for the Block 10C Switchblade Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems (LMAMS) and support services.
 
“Switchblade is a mature system, in production, that delivers unmatched force protection and precision strike capabilities to American forces,” AeroVironment  VP and Unmanned Aircraft Systems General Manager Kirk Flittie said. “Soldier-portable and lightweight, Switchblade is a uniquely powerful LMAMS solution for complex combat environments. AeroVironment stands ready, with a proven product, supply chain and production system, to respond rapidly to this and future requirements.”
 
AeroVironment’s Switchblade system allows soldiers to strike from up to 10 km from its launch location, making it a valuable force protection and precision strike tool. The system incurs minimal collateral damage and features wave-off capability.
 
U.S. forces first deployed the Switchblade system in 2011. The latest contract is for AeroVironment’s improved Block 10C Switchblade, which the company introduced in May. Block 10C Switchblade was upgraded based on user feedback and incorporates new requested elements such as encrypted digital communications.
 
AeroVironment, which is a leading provider of military and commercial unmanned aircraft systems, expects to deliver on the contract within 12 months.