// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Switchblade
A Switchblade is a small, portable drone used by military forces that can fly around an area to identify targets before autonomously or remotely diving into them like a guided missile. It is often referred to as a 'kamikaze' or 'suicide' drone because it destroys itself upon impact.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The AeroVironment Switchblade is a family of man-portable, tube-launched loitering munitions, often called 'suicide drones,' providing tactical forces with immediate, precision strike capabilities against personnel and light vehicles, integrating reconnaissance and kinetic attack functions into a single system.
BACKGROUND
The AeroVironment Switchblade is a family of man-portable loitering munitions designed by AeroVironment and used by several branches of the United States military and also exported to other countries. Small enough to fit in a backpack, the Switchblade launches from a tube, flies to the target area, and crashes into its target while detonating its explosive warhead. The name Switchblade comes from how the spring-loaded wings are folded inside a tube and flipped out once released.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Loitering munition
- Suicide drone
- Kamikaze drone
- One-way attack drone
- Tactical UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
USAGE NOTE
Switchblades are primarily employed by infantry and special operations units for on-demand precision strikes against beyond-line-of-sight threats, reducing collateral damage risks.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Switchblade.
The original developer and manufacturer of the Switchblade family of loitering munitions, including the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600.
A leading developer and manufacturer of loitering munition systems, including the Hero series (Hero-30, Hero-120, Hero-400EC, etc.), which are direct competitors to the Switchblade.
Develops a range of advanced defense systems, including the FireFly (Mini Spike) loitering munition, designed for tactical combat.
Develops the Coyote unmanned aircraft system, which can operate as a loitering munition for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions, including counter-UAS applications.
A major Israeli defense electronics company that develops various unmanned systems and precision munitions, including the SkyStriker loitering munition.
Develops unique encapsulated, launch-from-platform loitering munitions, such as the Ninox series, designed for tactical and covert operations.
Has developed loitering munitions, such as the 'Bat' in the past, and continues to be involved in the development of advanced unmanned aircraft systems and precision weapons for military applications.