in ,

AeroVironment to Arm SOCOM Maritime Platforms With Switchblade 600 Missiles

Switchblade 600
Switchblade 600

The U.S. Special Operations Command has tapped AeroVironment to produce and deliver its Switchblade 600 technology and integrate the loitering missile system into maritime vessels as part of a $26.1 million contract, which is scheduled for completion in January 2023.

The company said Tuesday Switchblade 600 offers over 40 minutes of flight time and is designed for counterinsurgency operations and tactical reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition.

The extended-range tactical missile system is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared gimbaled sensor suite and precision flight control technology while its warhead has an anti-armor capability that enables the military to deal localized damage to light armored vehicles.

"Integrating Switchblade 600 into combat platforms, such as the SOCOM’s specialized maritime vessels, enhances force overmatch, minimizes warfighter exposure to enemy direct and indirect fires," said Brett Hush, vice president and product line general manager for tactical missile systems at AeroVironment.

The company received an initial payment of $7.2 million when it was awarded the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract on March 31.

ExecutiveBiz Logo

Sign Up Now! ExecutiveBiz provides you with Daily Updates and News Briefings about Contract Awards

mm

Written by Christine Thropp

oversees day-to-day content production for ExecutiveBiz, a publication under Executive Mosaic's media group covering government contracting industry news. She also writes about executive movements and commentaries, M&A activities, contract awards and technology and service offerings of medium-sized businesses and other GovCon companies. Prior to assuming her current responsibilities with EBiz, Thropp produced daily competitive intelligence briefings for the company's GovCon customers.

Jared Shepard CEO Hypori
Hypori Receives ‘Gold’ Edison Award for Virtual Mobile Platform; Jared Shepard Quoted
Byron Bright President KBR Government Solutions
KBR Books $50M DLA Contract for Maintenance, Sustainment of Fuel Systems; Byron Bright Quoted