AeroVironment Introduces Switchblade 300 Block 20 Rapidly Deployable Loitering Missile System

Rhea-AI Summary

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) has launched the Switchblade 300 Block 20, an advanced version of its loitering missile system, enhancing operational features and performance. The new model retains the lightweight, portable design, enabling deployment in under two minutes. Key improvements include a tablet-based Fire Control System, longer endurance, enhanced Digital Data Link (DDL) range, and a new EO/IR camera suite. With capabilities for real-time reconnaissance and target acquisition, the Switchblade 300 Block 20 aims to deliver precision strike capabilities to small expeditionary units while minimizing collateral damage.

Positive

• Launch of Switchblade 300 Block 20 enhances operational features.
• Lightweight design allows for rapid deployment (<2 minutes).
• Improvements include longer endurance and enhanced DDL range.
• New Fire Control System simplifies mission execution.

Negative

• None.

Building on AeroVironment’s tactical missile legacy, the Switchblade 300 Block 20 offers enhanced operational features and performance 

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) today unveiled the newest version of its Switchblade® 300 rapidly deployable loitering missile system. The Switchblade 300 Block 20 builds on Block 10C’s battle-proven performance with new operational features and significant performance and capability improvements.

AeroVironment’s new Switchblade 300 Block 20 builds upon the system’s battle proven performance. Credit: AeroVironment, Inc.

Switchblade 300 Block 20 is portable, lightweight, and easy to operate, requiring 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 U.S. and allied forces, providing a remarkably rapid, precise and effective way to address lethal threats,” said Brett Hush, AeroVironment’s vice president and product line general manager of tactical missile systems. “Switchblade 300 Block 20 will continue to build on the system’s battle-proven legacy.”

Weighing just under five pounds, this lightweight, precision-guided lethal missile can be deployed in less than two minutes via tube-launch from land, sea, or mobile platforms, providing greater mission flexibility. The Switchblade 300 Block 20 features a longer endurance, improved Digital Data Link (DDL) range, new EO/IR panning camera suite, and left-hand commit with continuous positive identification (PID). Like its predecessor, Switchblade 300 Block 20 maintains its patented wave-off capability, enabling the operator to recommit against moving targets in highly dynamic environments.

The Switchblade 300 Block 20 provides small expeditionary units with stand-alone precision and lethal effects with minimal collateral effects. Delivering 20-plus minutes of tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, the Switchblade 300 Block 20 provides real-time video for use against beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) targets. Cursor-on-Target GPS coordinates provide situational awareness, information collection, targeting and feature/object recognition, that together will deliver the actionable intelligence and precision firepower needed to achieve mission success across multiple domains.

ABOUT AEROVIRONMENT, INC.

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) provides technology solutions at the intersection of robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity that deliver more actionable intelligence so you can proceed with certainty. Headquartered in Virginia, AeroVironment is a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems and serves defense, government and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005354/en/

Ashley Riser

AeroVironment, Inc.

+1 (805) 520-8350

pr@avinc.com

Mark Boyer

For AeroVironment, Inc.

+1 (310) 229-5956

mark@boyersyndicate.com

Source: AeroVironment

FAQ

What is the Switchblade 300 Block 20 by AeroVironment?

The Switchblade 300 Block 20 is an enhanced loitering missile system designed for rapid deployment and improved operational capabilities.

What are the key improvements in the Switchblade 300 Block 20?

Key improvements include a tablet-based Fire Control System, longer endurance, improved DDL range, and a new EO/IR camera suite.

How quickly can the Switchblade 300 Block 20 be deployed?

The Switchblade 300 Block 20 can be deployed in less than two minutes.

What is the weight of the Switchblade 300 Block 20?

The Switchblade 300 Block 20 weighs just under five pounds.

What markets does AeroVironment serve with the Switchblade 300 Block 20?

AeroVironment serves defense, government, and commercial customers with the Switchblade 300 Block 20.