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AeroVironment Switchblade
Switchblade 300 affyres af en amerikansk soldat
Type autonom drone
Oprindelsesland USA
Tjenestehistorie
I tjeneste 2011 –
Benyttet af US Army, US Navy, Ukraine
Krige War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
American-led intervention in Iraq (2014–2021)
Russisk-ukrainske krig
Produktionshistorie
Konstruktør AeroVironment
Konstrueret 2015/2016
Enhedspris Model 300: Skabelon:US$6,000 (est.)[1][2]
Produktionsperiode 2011 –
Udgaver Switchblade 300, Switchblade 600, Blackwing
Specifikationer (Neptun)
Vægt Skabelon:Cvt (Switchblade 300)
Skabelon:Cvt (Switchblade 600)
Længde Skabelon:Cvt (Switchblade 300)
Skabelon:Cvt (Switchblade 600)
Diameter Skabelon:Cvt (Switchblade 300)
Skabelon:Cvt (Switchblade 600)[3]
Hastighed Model 300:
Skabelon:Cvt (cruise); Skabelon:Cvt (dash)
Model 600:
Skabelon:Cvt (cruise); Skabelon:Cvt (dash)
Målsøgningssystem Autonomous; manual
Affyringsplatform Portable tube; multipack; assorted vehicles


AeroVironment Switchblade er en mindre autonom drone https://www.version2.dk/artikel/autonome-droner-laver-foerste-succesfulde-angreb-uden-menneskelig-indblanding (også kaldet en "selvmordsdrone") udviklet af AeroVironment og anvendt af flere grene af det amerikanske militær. Dronen kan bæres i en rygsæk og affyres fra et rør, hvorefter den flyver til afsøgningsområde Small enough to fit in a backpack, the Switchblade launches from a tube, flies to the target area, and crashes into its target while detonating its explosive warhead. The name switchblade comes from the way the spring-loaded wings are folded up inside a tube and flip out once released.[3]

Introduced in 2011, the original Switchblade was rebranded the Switchblade 300 after the much larger and very different Switchblade 600 anti-armor variant was unveiled in 2020. The Blackwing, an unarmed variant of the Switchblade 300 was released in 2015. More than 700 Switchblade 300 drones were sent to Ukraine by the United States as part of an arms package[4] after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

History[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

Conceived by the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), developed by the U.S. Army,[5] the Switchblade was meant to help U.S. troops respond to enemy ambushes in Afghanistan. Close air support takes time to arrive, is expensive to conduct, and risks collateral damage in urban areas. Troop-carried guided missiles such as the FGM-148 Javelin are also expensive, and few if any are carried on a typical patrol.

Human-portable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Raven or Puma can spot threats but lack weapons. The backpackable, relatively inexpensive Switchblade has sensors to help spot enemy fighters and an explosive warhead to attack them from above, which is especially helpful in dug-in positions like rooftops or ridge lines.

On 29 July 2011, the U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $4.9 million contract for "rapid fielding" of an unspecified number of Switchblades to forces in Afghanistan.[6][7][8] On 20 March 2012, the Army added $5.1 million, totaling $10 million.[9]

In May 2012, the United States Marine Corps began ordering Switchblades to allow troops to strike improvised explosive device (IED) emplacement teams and similar targets. Usually when air support is called in, attackers slip away before a large UAV, attack helicopter, fighter-bomber, or quick reaction force can arrive on station. Marines sometimes couldn't get support due to other units getting mission priority. The Switchblade is small enough to fit in a Marine's ALICE or MOLLE pack and locks onto and tracks a target once selected.[10]

In late 2012, 75 Switchblades were supplied to U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Several successful employments had occurred by January 2013. Although the military would not confirm details about its deployment, effectiveness, distribution, or tactical employment, commanders reported that it was "very effective". Shortly after, a joint urgent needs statement was requested by the Army theater commanders for more systems. The number requested was not specified, but was "dramatically more" than the 75 systems initially supplied and exceeded budget limitations. The Switchblade gained notoriety among soldiers using it and insurgents targeted by it. The Army classifies it as a direct fire munition rather than a drone.[7][11]

Soldiers embraced it as a valuable tool, especially to reduce collateral damage. Unlike most other weapons, the Switchblade can wave off or abort a mission if the situation changes after launch, allowing it to engage a secondary target or destroy itself without inflicting casualties or property damage.[12] Wave off was used over a dozen times to prevent civilian casualties that could have been caused had a person not been in the decision loop.[5]

On 28 August 2013, AeroVironment announced it had been awarded five contracts totaling $15.8 million to supply more Switchblade systems, ancillary equipment, and support to the Army.[13] One week later, the Pentagon gave the company a follow-on contract worth $6.6 million. On 5 September 2013, AeroVironment was awarded a $29 million contract modification to supply Switchblade munitions systems and associated hardware and support services, totaling $51.4 million worth in contracts announced over nine days.[14]

In April 2015, the Marines test-fired a Switchblade out of the back of an MV-22 Osprey. The drone was not equipped with a warhead, but was successfully released and accurately steered toward a target. The test showed that the Switchblade could be air-launched from the aircraft and add a remotely controlled, weaponized surveillance tool to the Osprey.[15] From its introduction to the end of Operation Enduring Freedom, over 4,000 Switchblades were deployed in Afghanistan.[16] In mid-2017, 350 Switchblades were delivered to SOCOM for use against Islamic State.[17]

On 28 April 2016, AeroVironment announced they had developed an upgrade for the Switchblade Tactical Missile system designated Block 10C. In October 2016, AeroVironment announced the Multi-Pack Launcher (MPL), a system to carry and remotely launch several Switchblades.[18]

In October 2020, AeroVironment announced a project with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to demonstrate a "high-speed, long-range unmanned combat air vehicle" that serves as a mothership to deliver Switchblade 300s in large numbers that cooperatively attack and overwhelm enemy defenses.[19]

In late 2018, AeroVironment was working on the larger Switchblade 600.[20] In March 2020, AeroVironment revealed it had flight tested the product the previous year. In October 2020, AeroVironment unveiled the larger unit. By the time of its unveiling it had undergone 60 test flights from ground launches against fixed and moving targets.[19][21][22]

On 31 March 2021, AeroVironment was awarded a USD26.1 million contract by SOCOM for the Switchblade 600. The system addresses the United States Naval Special Warfare Command's Maritime Precision Engagement (MPE) requirement to engage asymmetric threats with Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) and Heavy (CCH) boats acting as host platforms.[23][24]

In March 2022, it was reported that the US was considering providing Switchblade drones to the Ukrainian armed forces following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[1] On 16 March, the White House announced that "100 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems" would be provided to Ukraine as part of a $800 million military aid package.[25] Each of these systems constitutes "a complete package of ground launch and control systems, and potentially multiple drones."[26] According to one journalist, citing a US military source, each of these systems carries ten Switchblade drones, making for a total of 1,000.[27] The package includes both anti-personnel Switchblade 300s and anti-armor Switchblade 600s.[28]

Design[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

Switchblade 300[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

Switchblade 300 in flight
Switchblade 300 in flight

The Switchblade 300 is designed as an expendable UAV to increase precision firepower for platoon-sized infantry units. It is 2 ft (610 mm) long and weighs 6 lb (2,7 kg) including the carrying case and launcher, making it small and light enough for one soldier to carry.

It can be controlled up to 10 km (6,2 mi). Its small size limits its endurance to 10 minutes. This makes it unsuited for scouting roles, but it is useful for inexpensively engaging long-range targets and assisting in relieving units pinned down by enemy fire. The Switchblade uses a color camera and GPS locating to identify, track, and engage targets, as well as being able to be pre-programmed on a collision course. Its warhead has an explosive charge equivalent to a 40mm grenade to destroy light armored vehicles and personnel. If a situation causes a strike to be called off, the operator can call off the Switchblade and re-target it.[6][7][8]

Launch unit for the Switchblade 300. Compressed air is used to shoot the drone out of the tube.

The aircraft is propelled by an electric engine, so its small size and silent flight makes it extremely difficult to detect or try to intercept, enabling it to close in on a target at 85 knots (98 mph; 157 km/h). The Switchblade uses the same Ground Control Station (GCS) as other AeroVironment UAVs including the Wasp, RQ-11 Raven, and RQ-20 Puma. This creates commonality and the potential for teaming of longer-endurance small UAVs to recon for targets, then having the Switchblade attack once they are identified with the same controller.[6][7][8][29][upålidelig kilde?]

U.S. Army regulations categorize the Switchblade as a missile rather than a drone. The term "loitering munition" is preferred to describe it. Unlike UAVs, it is not recoverable once launched. Its operation is similar to that of the wireless TOW missile, through a fly-by-radio frequency signal. The only difference being the TOW doesn't loiter, but both have the same operator-in-the-loop characteristics. The Switchblade uses daytime and infrared cameras, as well as an "aided target tracker" to lock on to stationary and moving targets.[5]

The warhead is specifically designed for controlled firepower to reduce collateral damage through a focused blast. It has a forward-firing shotgun-blast effect rather than a 360-degree blast, throwing pellets in the direction that the missile is traveling. It can be fused to detonate at a predetermined height, which can be adjusted in-flight. When diving, the air vehicle gives the operator the opportunity to wave off until four seconds from impact. The warhead can be detonated in-flight to destroy it.[5]

The Switchblade does not fit into established doctrines, since it is not an armed reconnaissance vehicle dispatched by a platoon commander to scout over an area and destroy enemies, or an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, as its cameras are for seeing targets instead of performing recon. It meets the need for small squads and platoons that lack high-level intelligence and communications to have the ability to fire missiles beyond ranges they are trying to influence.[5]

Aside from use against ground targets, SRC Inc. has written software to combine the Switchblade with sensors to be able to intercept hostile UAVs. The Switchblade is used alongside an existing counter-artillery radar and IED jamming system, all of which can be towed by Humvees. Interception of an enemy drone occurs in layers of defenses: if a drone gets through covering jet fighters or is too small to be targeted by them, it is picked up by the fire-finding radar. Once detected, the jammer performs electronic warfare to break its data-link. If the drone resists EW, the Switchblade is launched to physically impact and destroy it.[30]

Block 10C incorporates a Digital Data Link (DDL) to provide a stable and secure encrypted communication link through more efficient use of existing frequency bands and significantly reduced likelihood of signal interception, as well as enables concurrent operation of multiple Switchblade systems in the same vicinity without signal conflict, gives opportunity to extend operational ranges using another DDL arbiter such as a different AeroVironment UAV, and facilitates sensor to shooter operations through automatic communication of mission plans from one AeroVironment UAS to a Switchblade.[31]

The Multi-Pack Launcher (MPL) remotely launches multiple Switchblades. The MPL comes in a standard 6-pack configuration weighing 160 lb (73 kg) fully loaded. The design is scalable from 2 to 20 rounds and enables rapid reloading of less than 30 seconds per round. The U.S. Army began deploying the MPL in early 2019 for base defense.[18][32]

Switchblade 600[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

The larger Switchblade 600 loitering munition weighs Skabelon:Cvt, is man-portable and can be set up in 10 minutes. It is designed to fly out to Skabelon:Cvt in 20 minutes, then loiter for another 20 minutes (giving it an Skabelon:Cvt total range). It attacks at a Skabelon:Cvt dash speed, carrying an ATGM warhead based on the Javelin ATGM, designed to neutralize armored vehicles.[33][34]

A touchscreen tablet-based fire control system can manually or autonomously control the munition. It is secured through onboard encrypted data links and Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module GPS with a patented wave-off capability. An optional pocket digital data link (DDL) module allows engagements beyond Skabelon:Cvt.[35]

The Switchblade 600 was developed for the Army Single Multi-Mission Attack Missile development program. Other methods could include a six-pack vehicle-mounted version and by air-launch.[19][21][22]

The larger Switchblade could be fitted with an anti-tank warhead while having longer range and costing less than anti-tank missiles like the Javelin.[36][37]

Blackwing[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

First demonstrated in 2015, the AeroVironment Blackwing is an unarmed variant of the Switchblade 300 with similar weight and dimensions. It was developed for the United States Navy to provide rapid ISR as well as command and control relay operations among surface and undersea manned and unmanned vessels. The Blackwing can be deployed from a submerged submarine, surface ship, or mobile ground launcher.[3][38]

Operational history[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

Ukraine has reported using a Switchblade on a Russian target in Kharkiv Oblast. A Switchblade 300 was used against a bunker; it is unclear if it was shot down or completed its task by exploding. Russian forces recovered the remains.[39][40][41]

Current operators[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

Storbritannien Storbritannien
USA USA
Ukraine Ukraine

Future operators[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

Litauen Litauen

See also[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

References[redigér | rediger kildetekst]

  1. ^ a b Ken Dilanian; Dan De Luce; Courtney Kube (2022-03-16). "Biden admin weighs providing Ukraine with killer drones called Switchblades". NBC News. Arkiveret fra originalen 2022-03-16. Hentet 2022-03-16.
  2. ^ Aitken, Peter (marts 17, 2022). "Switchblade drones US sending to Ukraine may be 'game changers'". Fox News. Hentet marts 18, 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  3. ^ a b c Moncourtois, Alyce; Hush, Brett (november 20, 2020). "Switchblade: From Gun-Launched UAV to Precision Strike Loitering Missile System" (pdf). Press Release. AeroVironment, Inc. Hentet marts 17, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  4. ^ "Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine". U.S. Department of Defense (amerikansk engelsk). Hentet 2022-05-12.
  5. ^ a b c d e 'Kamikaze drones' add a new layer of lethality to remote forces Arkiveret 2015-09-19 hos Wayback Machine - C4ISRnet.com, 13 August 2015
  6. ^ a b c U.S. Troops Will Soon Get Tiny Kamikaze Drone Arkiveret 2017-03-02 hos Wayback Machine - Wired.com, 18 October 2011
  7. ^ a b c d Tiny, Suicidal Drone/Missile Mashup Is Part of U.S.’ Afghanistan Arsenal Arkiveret 2016-12-23 hos Wayback Machine - Wired.com, 12 March 2013
  8. ^ a b c America's Kamikaze Drone Makes the Skies Way Less Friendly Arkiveret 2017-08-29 hos Wayback Machine - Gizmodo.com, 5 September 2013
  9. ^ U.S. Army Awards AeroVironment $5.1 Million Order for Switchblade Arkiveret 2012-06-20 hos Wayback Machine - AeroVironment press release, 23 May 2012
  10. ^ Marine Corps pursues ‘kamikaze’ drone Arkiveret 2013-07-26 hos Wayback Machine - MarineCorpstimes.com, 16 May 2012
  11. ^ U.S. Army Wants More Switchblades - Defensenews.com, 12 February 2013
  12. ^ Kamikaze drones: Miniature munitions for dismounted troops - Armytimes.com, 14 August 2013
  13. ^ AeroVironment wins US Army Switchblade award Arkiveret 2013-12-11 hos Wayback Machine - Shephardmedia.com, 28 August 2013
  14. ^ AeroVironment Reaps $51.4 Million in Switchblade UAV Contracts in 9 Days Arkiveret 2013-12-13 hos Wayback Machine - sUASNews.com, 9 September 2013
  15. ^ Marines Fire Switchblade Drone From Osprey in Test Arkiveret 2015-04-19 hos Wayback Machine - Defensetech.org, 17 April 2015
  16. ^ Will 2016 be the Year of the Portable Lethal Drone? Arkiveret 2016-01-17 hos Wayback Machine - Defensetech.org, 15 January 2016
  17. ^ In Urgent Request, US Special Ops Adds 350 Kamikaze Drones to Fight ISIS Arkiveret 2017-06-04 hos Wayback Machine - DefenseOne.com, 18 May 2017
  18. ^ a b Multi-Pack Launcher Deployed for Switchblade Arkiveret 2019-07-21 hos Wayback Machine. National Defense Magazine. 16 July 2019.
  19. ^ a b c AeroVironment debuts bigger, anti-armor loitering missile. Defense News. 2 October 2020.
  20. ^ AeroVironment to integrate Switchblade and Shrike 2 onto armoured vehicles. Flight International. 9 October 2018.
  21. ^ a b AeroVironment Unveils Switchblade 600 Loitering Missile. Aviation Week. 1 October 2020.
  22. ^ a b Switchblade 600 drone provides improved loitering missile capability. New Atlas. 5 October 2020.
  23. ^ "Switchblade 600 loitering missile to equip US Naval Special Warfare craft". Jane's Information Group. 28 april 2021. Arkiveret fra originalen 2 maj 2021. Hentet 2 maj 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  24. ^ AeroVironment awarded $26 Million Switchblade 600 tactical missile systems contract by US Special Operation Command. Air Recognition. 28 April 2021.
  25. ^ "Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine". whitehouse.gov. 16 marts 2022. Hentet 30 marts 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  26. ^ Roblin, Sebastien (17 marts 2022). "Putin's Problem: Up To 1,000 Switchblade Kamikaze Drones Are Headed To Ukraine". 19fortyfive. Hentet 30 marts 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  27. ^ Weiss, Michael (17 marts 2022). "@michaeldweiss". Hentet 30 marts 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  28. ^ US Switchblade Drones for Ukraine Will Include Tank Killers. Military.com. 5 April 2022.
  29. ^ Kamikaze drones - the military robots set to self-destruct Arkiveret 2015-10-03 hos Wayback Machine - Army-Technology.com, 6 August 2012
  30. ^ New Weapons Spell Death For Drones; The Countermeasure Dance Arkiveret 2014-10-17 hos Wayback Machine - Breakingdefense.com, 13 October 2014
  31. ^ AeroVironment begins production of Switchblade Tactical Missile System upgrade Arkiveret 2017-07-01 hos Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 29 April 2016
  32. ^ AeroVironment Introduces New Remote-Controlled Multi-Pack Launcher for its Switchblade and Blackwing Tactical Missile Systems Arkiveret 2016-10-24 hos Wayback Machine - Businesswire.com, 4 October 2016
  33. ^ Martin, Tim (8 april 2022). "Small skirmishes pose perfect opportunity for Switchblade success in Ukraine". Shephard.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  34. ^ AeroVironment Family of Loitering Missile Systems – Virtual Press Briefing (video). AeroVironment Inc. 2020-10-14. Begivenheden finder sted 14:52. Hentet 2022-03-18.
  35. ^ Hanning, Todd (2020-10-14). AeroVironment Family of Loitering Missile Systems – Virtual Press Briefing (video). AeroVironment Inc. Begivenheden finder sted 13:14. Hentet 2022-03-18.
  36. ^ AeroVironment starts flight testing larger Switchblade with greater range. Flight International. 5 March 2020.
  37. ^ Brent M. Eastwood. (16 March 2022). "Switchblade Kamikaze Drones: Russia’s Worst Nightmare?". 1945 website Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  38. ^ "Blackwing: Loitering Reconnaissance System". AeroVironment Inc. Hentet 2022-03-16.
  39. ^ "First Video Emerges Of Switchblade Drone Kamikazeing Into Russian Infantry In Ukraine". 1945. Hentet 2022-05-07.
  40. ^ "First recorded use of US-made Switchblade 300 kamikaze in Ukraine". Bulgarian Military. Hentet 2022-05-07.
  41. ^ "Switchblade 300: the Ukrainian Armed Forces have probably used the American kamikaze drone for the first time". Militarnyi. 6 maj 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  42. ^ "U.K. To Buy Switchblade Loitering Munition". Real clear defense. 19 marts 2021. Arkiveret fra originalen 2022-03-17. Hentet 2022-03-19.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  43. ^ "Switchblade 300, the combat proven munition". EDR magazine. 10 februar 2020. Arkiveret fra originalen 2022-03-13. Hentet 2022-03-19.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  44. ^ "US Special Ops buys AeroVironment's anti-armour Switchblade 600 loitering munition". Flight Global. 27 april 2021. Arkiveret fra originalen 2021-04-29. Hentet 2022-03-19.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  45. ^ "Exploding 'kamikaze' drones are ushering in a new era of warfare in Ukraine". The Washington post. 24 marts 2022. Arkiveret fra originalen 2022-03-26. Hentet 2022-04-08.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link)
  46. ^ "Lithuania plans military purchases from U.S. and Germany due to Ukraine war". 9 april 2022. Hentet 2022-04-09.{{cite web}}: CS1-vedligeholdelse: Dato automatisk oversat (link) CS1-vedligeholdelse: url-status (link)

External link[redigér | rediger kildetekst]


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