US Army Awards AeroVironment $22.8 Million Contract for Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems

 
 
AUSA 2016
Online Show Daily News
Association of U.S. Army
Exhibition and Conference
3  - 5  October 2016
Washington D.C., United States
 
AeroVironment at AUSA 2016
 
 
US Army Awards AeroVironment $22.8 Million Contract for Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems
AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems for both military and commercial applications, today announced the United States Army Close Combat Weapons Systems Project Office has awarded the company a contract for Block 10C Switchblade™ Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems (LMAMS) and support services valued at $22,776,812 through a Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statement.Delivery is anticipated within 12 months.
     
US Army Awards AeroVironment 22 8 Million Contract for Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems 640 002
The AV Switchblade is a rapid launch, high precision, force protection loitering missile that minimizes collateral damage (Photo Army Recognition)
     
First deployed by United States forces in 2011, the AeroVironment Switchblade provides warfighters with force protection and precision strike capabilities up to ten kilometers from its launch location, with minimal to no collateral damage and wave-off capability.Block 10C Switchblade, introduced by AeroVironment in May 2016, incorporates improvements based on feedback from users, including encrypted digital communications.

“Switchblade is a mature system, in production, that delivers unmatched force protection and precision strike capabilities to American forces,” said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment.“Soldier-portable and lightweight, Switchblade is a uniquely powerful LMAMS solution for complex combat environments.AeroVironment stands ready, with a proven product, supply chain and production system, to respond rapidly to this and future requirements.”

Switchblade forms the basis of AeroVironment’s emerging family of Tactical Missile Systems. Designed initially for dismounted infantry operations, Switchblade spawned a number of variants in development for new customers and new applications.
     
US Army Awards AeroVironment 22 8 Million Contract for Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems 640 001The AeroVironment Booth at AUSA 2016 (Photo Army Recognition)