Jay Clemens
AeroVironment has been awarded a one-year, $22.8 million contract to produce loitering aerial munitions for the U.S. Army in an effort to help warfighters conduct precision strike missions.
The company said Monday it will provide Block 10C Switchblade lethal miniature aerial missile systems and support services under the contract with the Army’s Close Combat Weapons Systems Project Office.
The Army procured the LMAMS in response to a “joint urgent operational need.”
Launched in May, the Block 10C Switchblade offering features an encrypted digital communications tool and other technological updates that are based on user feedback, the company added.
Kirk Flittie, vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s unmanned aircraft systems segment, said the company designed Switchblade to help provide force protection and precision strike capabilities to U.S. troops.
AeroVironment will showcase the aerial missile system during the Association of the U.S. Army’s exposition at Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Oct. 3 to 5.
