AeroVironment (AV) has been awarded a contract for the U.S. Military’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Deadly Unmanned Programs (LUS). The 5-year contract from Military Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Floor is Indefinite Supply, Indefinite Amount (IDIQ) with a contract ceiling worth of $990M. Deliveries of the Switchblade® methods are anticipated to start in months.
The LUS Directed Requirement is the Military’s first effort to equip troopers in infantry battalions with deadly, man-portable loitering munition methods. The combat-proven Switchblade methods will improve troopers’ capabilities with precision flight management, higher lethality in opposition to fortified targets resembling armored automobiles and tanks, and the flexibility to trace and interact transferring non-line-of-sight targets. AV was awarded a contract for the LUS Directed Requirement in December 2023 and is presently delivering methods beneath that contract.
“AV is proud to have been chosen to supply Switchblade for this essential and pressing Military requirement,” mentioned Brett Hush, AV’s senior vp and common supervisor of Loitering Munition Programs. “This newest contract underscores the unrivaled maturity and effectiveness of our system, in addition to AV’s strategic positioning to quickly produce and ship these cutting-edge options to operators within the discipline.”
Switchblade represents the following technology of extended-range loitering munition methods, offering operators within the discipline with a multi-mission loitering munition system able to multi-domain operations. The combat-proven system additionally options high-precision optics and prolonged loitering endurance.
“Beginning with the LUS Directed Requirement, we’re nicely positioned to fulfill the Military’s rising wants, leveraging our strong manufacturing functionality and provide chain capability to make sure fast fielding and enhanced fight overmatch for our troopers,” continued Hush.
This contract additional solidifies AV’s function as a number one supplier of revolutionary unmanned options. The corporate stays dedicated to supporting the U.S. Military’s mission by delivering superior know-how that ensures operational superiority and enhances the security and effectiveness of our navy personnel.
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