AeroVironment Introduces New Remote-Controlled Multi-Pack Launcher for its Switchblade and Blackwing Tactical Missile Systems
October 04, 2016
- New all-environment launch system enables remote launch of Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System rounds for Forward Operating Base and Mobile Force Protection
- AeroVironment’s Blackwing loitering reconnaissance aircraft can also be launched in rapid succession from ground vehicles and surface vessels to enable rapid-response Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Cross-Domain operations
WASHINGTON at Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 4, 2016 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems for both military and commercial applications, today introduced a Multi-Pack Launcher (MPL) for its Switchblade® Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System and its Blackwing™ tube-launched unmanned aircraft.
The MPL can be employed in Forward Operating Bases and controlled from remote locations, such as bunkers and buildings, to protect system operators from incoming fire.For land forces, the MPL can also be integrated into tactical ground vehicles to provide force protection and ISR on-the-go.MPL comes in a standard 6-pack configuration weighing 160 pounds fully loaded. AeroVironment’s design is scalable from 2 to 20 Switchblade/Blackwing rounds and enables rapid reload of less than 30 seconds per round.The MPL can be powered via shore and tactical vehicle power, and is also equipped with solar panels and an internal battery pack to ensure uninterrupted operation. Future naval versions of MPL will enable surface ships to launch multiple Blackwing UAVs rapidly to provide multi-UAV ISR and Cross-Domain Communications, Command and Control.
“Our new Multi-Pack Launcher is compact, modular and rugged to provide fixed and mobile force protection and ISR for our warfighters in frontline operating environments,” said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment.“We designed MPL from the ground-up to address warfighters’ needs, based on our extensive operating and training experience in the field, for easy installation, integration and operation.The MPL’s ability to launch either our Switchblade rounds or our Blackwing UAVs provides additional flexibility to our customers to address a growing number of mission requirements in the future.”
About AeroVironment Tactical Missile Systems
Switchblade and BlackwingTM form the basis of AeroVironment’s emerging family of Tactical Missile Systems. Switchblade is a rapid launch, high precision, force protection loitering missile that minimizes collateral damage.Designed initially for dismounted infantry operations, Switchblade spawned a number of variants in development for new customers and new applications. Blackwing is a variant of Switchblade designed to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for longer missions and can be launched from submerged submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles.
About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)
AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a global leader in intelligent multi-domain robotic systems, uncrewed aircraft and ground systems, sensors, software analytics, and connectivity. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, AeroVironment delivers actionable intelligence so our customers can proceed with certainty. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
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