Drone review

Sources: Pentagon, Congress to Review AeroVironment Switchblade 600 Under Replicator Program

The U.S. Congress and the Department of Defense are slated to review the AeroVironment Switchblade 600 attack drones as part of the Pentagon’s Replicator program, sources familiar with the matter revealed.

According to the sources, the Switchblade 600 passed the initial assessment for the loitering munitions capability set after being tested during the U.S. Army’s Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions program. Pentagon officials refused to disclose Replicator-related updates, including what systems are being tested, specifics about the program’s timeline and the funding required for Replicator’s loitering munitions segment.

The Switchblade 600, designed to destroy armored vehicles and other targets in different domains, features a 24-mile range, 40 minutes of loitering time and a 115 mph top speed, DefenseScoop reported.

The Switchblade family of weapons has proven its worth to the Army as the service continues to procure the systems for various missions.

In October, the Army ordered over 100 Switchblade 600 munitions as part of the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance program, increment one. Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology and a past Wash100 winner, said the drones will be sent to company-level soldiers.

The Army also ordered Switchblade 300 missiles from AeroVironment through a $64.6 million contract awarded in April to support France and an unspecified allied partner.