General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in collaboration with AeroVironment (AV), has launched a Switchblade 600 (SB600) loitering munition (LM) from a Block 5 MQ-9A unmanned aircraft system (UAS), validating the role of large UAS as motherships.
The flight testing took place from July 22–24 at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds Test Range. It marked the first time a Switchblade 600 had ever been launched from an unmanned aircraft.
After successfully integrating the SB600 with the MQ-9A, the team released two LMs: one with an inert warhead and the other with a high-explosive round. After launch, the team transferred control of the Switchblade from a user in the MQ-9A’s ground control station to a user on the ground closer to the operational area.
David R. Alexander, GA-ASI President, commented, “This cooperative effort showcased how combining different unmanned technologies could really provide value and effects to the warfighter. By using MQ-9A to carry the Switchblade, the MQ-9A is able to stand off farther from enemy weapons systems and increase the range of the SB600, which will provide greater access and options in contested airspace.”
The test further validated GA-ASI’s ability to integrate and operate a variety of airborne-launched effects on the battlefield, including those built by GA-ASI and by partners such as AV. It also demonstrated how such effects can provide commanders with risk-tolerant options in contested operations.
