AeroVironment wins $4.2M Switchblade order

An extension to an existing AeroVironment contract with the Air Force includes engineering services, operational Switchblade systems and operator training.

AeroVironment Inc. recently received an order from the Air Force for Switchblade loitering munition systems and services. The $4.2 extension to an existing contract includes engineering services, operational Switchblade systems and operator training, the company said.

AeroVironment said it also has performed a successful series of live-fire demonstrations for multiple U.S. government customers at a military facility in December 2011 that illustrated the system's ability to neutralize threats from a distance.

Launched from a small tube that can be carried in a backpack, the Switchblade system transmits live color and infrared video wirelessly for display on AeroVironment's standard small unmanned aircraft system ground control unit, the company explained.