Click here - to select or create a menu

Naval News

DEFEA 2023
  • News
  • Event News
    • DSEI Japan 2023
    • NAVDEX 2023
    • SNA 2023
    • Euronaval 2022
    • Indo Pacific 2022
  • Interviews
  • Videos
  • Advertising
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Home» News»USSOCOM Tests New Switchblade 600 for all Platforms, Including Maritime
IMDEX Asia 2023
USSOCOM Tests New Switchblade 600 for all Platforms Including Maritime
Switchblade 600 loitering munition in flight. AeroVironment image.

USSOCOM Tests New Switchblade 600 for all Platforms, Including Maritime

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has acquired the Switchblade 600, an improved loitering munition compared to the Switchblade 300 made by AeroVironment.

Peter Ong 14 May 2021

Switchblade 600 procurement by USSOCOM is for testing, not operational use.

However, the acquisition is not intended for operational use.  Commander Hawkins, a U.S. Special Operations Command spokesperson, explained to Naval News in early May 2021:

“The munitions purchased under this procurement are not intended for operational use. This is a research and development effort. We are evaluating the technical feasibility of developing, integrating and testing munitions capable of launching from static or moving platforms to engage static or moving surface targets. This is part of our investment in precision munition capabilities needed for U.S. Special Operations Forces to operate in future challenging environments across multiple domains. This includes the maritime domain.  This capability may be integrated across multiple platforms currently in service with U.S. Special Operations Command.”

“We are continuously searching for improvements and researching technological developments across the air, ground and maritime domains – particularly for systems and platforms that support operations in remote locations. The ability for U.S. Special Operations Forces to employ loitering munitions is key to our ability to precisely strike enemy forces.”



Commander Hawkins

For the record, AeroVironment announced the $26 Million Switchblade 600 contract awarded by USSOCOM on 27 April. The contract includes delivery and integration of Switchblade 600 into specialized maritime platforms such as Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) and Combatant Craft Heavy (CCH).

About Switchblade 600 loitering munition

Switchblade 600 loitering munition
Propeller-driven, the Switchblade 600 is an improvement over the Switchblade 300 in terms of performance, endurance, range and speed although Switchblade 600 is heavier. AeroVironment image.

The AeroVironment Switchblade 600 is an all-in-one, man portable solution equipped with a high-performance EO/IR gimbaled sensor suite, precision flight control and more than 40 minutes of flight time to deliver unprecedented tactical reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA). Its anti-armor warhead enables engagement and prosecution of hardened static and moving light armored vehicles from multiple angles – without external ISR or fires assets – for precise, localized effects and minimal collateral damage.

The Switchblade 600 has a range of 40+ kilometers, a cruise speed of 70 miles per hour. One system (loitering munition + launcher units) weighs 120 lb (54.4 kg).

Loitering Munition Special Forces USSOCOM 2021-05-14
Tags Loitering Munition Special Forces USSOCOM
Facebook Twitter Stumble linkedin Pinterest More
DSEI Japan

Authors

Posted by : Peter Ong
Peter Ong is a Freelance Writer with United States and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) media credentials and lives in California. Peter has a Bachelor's Degree in Technical Writing/Graphic Design and a Master's Degree in Business. He writes articles for defense, maritime and emergency vehicle publications.

Related Articles

USSOCOM’s AFSOC Updates on the MC-130J Floatplane’s Status

USSOCOM’s AFSOC Updates on the MC-130J Floatplane’s Status

Peter Ong 09 Mar 2023
Naval News reached out to the U.S. Air Force’s Special Operations Command (AFSOC) for an update on the MC-130J amphibious floatplane conversion kit...
First Greek-designed special operations craft receives its armament

First Greek-designed special operations craft receives its armament

Dimitris Mitsopoulos 16 Dec 2022
Agenor, the first Greek indigenously designed and built special operations craft (SOC) became the first Hellenic Navy vessel to receive a remote weapon station (RWS).
Loitering Munition Strikes Ukrainian gunboat, a first in Naval Warfare

Loitering Munition Strikes Ukrainian gunboat, a first in Naval Warfare

Tayfun Ozberk 06 Nov 2022
The Russian-Ukrainian war is increasingly becoming a proving ground for the use of different types of drones in various domains.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Legal / Privacy Policy
About Us
Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 Naval News
All Rights Reserved