Global Citizenship: What I’ve Learned About the American PCB Business
Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Best Products to Buy Offshore Through Global Sourcing
Nolan's Notes: The Rise (and Risk) of Data
AV Secures $990M Contract to Supply U.S. Army with Switchblade Loitering Munitions
August 29, 2024 | BUSINESS WIREEstimated reading time: 1 minute
AeroVironment (AV) has been awarded a contract for the U.S. Army’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). The 5-year contract from Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground is Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a contract ceiling value of $990M. Deliveries of the Switchblade® systems are expected to begin in months.
The LUS Directed Requirement is the Army’s first effort to equip soldiers in infantry battalions with lethal, man-portable loitering munition systems. The combat-proven Switchblade systems will enhance soldiers' capabilities with precision flight control, greater lethality against fortified targets such as armored vehicles and tanks, and the ability to track and engage moving non-line-of-sight targets. AV was awarded a contract for the LUS Directed Requirement in December 2023 and is currently delivering systems under that contract.
“AV is proud to have been selected to provide Switchblade for this critical and urgent Army requirement,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Loitering Munition Systems. “This latest contract underscores the unmatched maturity and effectiveness of our system, as well as AV’s strategic positioning to rapidly produce and deliver these cutting-edge solutions to operators in the field.”
Switchblade represents the next generation of extended-range loitering munition systems, providing operators in the field with a multi-mission loitering munition system capable of multi-domain operations. The combat-proven system also features high-precision optics and extended loitering endurance.
“Starting with the LUS Directed Requirement, we are well positioned to meet the Army’s emerging needs, leveraging our robust production capability and supply chain capacity to ensure rapid fielding and enhanced combat overmatch for our soldiers,” continued Hush.
This contract further solidifies AV’s role as a leading provider of innovative unmanned solutions. The company remains committed to supporting the U.S. Army’s mission by delivering advanced technology that ensures operational superiority and enhances the safety and effectiveness of our military personnel.
Share on:
Suggested Items
OSI Systems Receives $11M Order for Electronic Assemblies
11/21/2024 | BUSINESS WIREOSI Systems, Inc announced that its Optoelectronics and Manufacturing division has received an order for approximately $11 million to provide critical electronic sub-assemblies for a leading-edge healthcare original equipment manufacturer (OEM), known for innovative and specialized medical solutions.
Indie Semiconductor Extends Automotive Photonics Leadership with Advanced Optical Component Integration Capabilities
11/20/2024 | indie Semiconductorindie Semiconductor, an automotive solutions innovator, has extended its photonics offering with the addition of in-house photonics integration, packaging and system test capabilities.
Yamaha Robotics Brings Inspection Innovations for Growing Markets to electronica 2024
11/19/2024 | Yamaha Robotics SMT SectionYamaha Robotics SMT section presented innovations in high-speed surface-mount inspection at electronica 2024, demonstrating the latest AI skills and special features for applications including LED lighting, e-mobility, and mechatronics.
RTX's Raytheon Awarded U.S. Army Contract for Wireless Power Beaming Technology
11/18/2024 | Raytheon TechnologiesRaytheon, an RTX, has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army to work on directed energy wireless power beaming capabilities that will distribute power across the battlefield, simplify logistics, and safeguard locations for U.S. troops.
Biden-Harris Administration: Akash Systems to Support Emerging Semiconductor Technology
11/14/2024 | U.S. Department of CommerceThe Biden-Harris Administration announced that the Department of Commerce and Akash Systems have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide up to $18.2 million in proposed direct funding under the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. This investment will enable the company to leverage its intellectual property and experience of developing semiconductor technologies that serve important end markets, such as communications and the defense industrial base, while also creating over 400 direct manufacturing and construction jobs.