AV launches new Switchblade variants, VTOL drone design
The defense firm rolled out a new Switchblade design dubbed the Switchblade 400, as well as an update to its VAPOR vertical takeoff-and-landing drone.
The defense firm rolled out a new Switchblade design dubbed the Switchblade 400, as well as an update to its VAPOR vertical takeoff-and-landing drone.
"We’re locked in step with the Army, we’re fired up about the future, and I think what you’re going to see at AUSA really supports where the Army is headed," Geoff Norman, director of US strategy and growth at GDLS, told Breaking Defense.
Explore how networked warfare, AI, and 3D-printed drones are reshaping US Indo-Pacific strategy.
The two firms are focused on the lower tier aspect of Golden Dome, such as small drones and cruise missiles.
The new firm's CEO told Breaking Defense the company is focused on being flexible, and delivering mass when asked.
“We are excited about the non-traditional companies who are providing low-cost, adaptable, long-range, UAS platforms with the potential to maximize operational flexibility for the Joint force,” said DIU’s Trent Emeneker.
The maker of the Switchblade family of drones is pushing into the maritime domain with the new version of its Jump-20 system.
"The structure of the global defense sector is changing, and this transaction underscores that transformation," said analyst Byron Callan of the merger.
"The delivery of commercially available Company-Level Small UAS with support from the Replicator initiative will allow American soldiers to rapidly experiment, learn and innovate with these systems," said Army Chief Gen. Randy George.
The GAO is expected to rule on the protest, filed by Mistral, Inc., according to documents, by Dec. 16.
CDAO’s Advana data analytics platform is ingesting data from about 500 DoD business systems.
The program manager told Breaking Defense all six companies remaining in the program are narrowing in on a similar design incorporating folding wings.
“The delivery of Replicator systems to the warfighter began earlier this month. This shows that warfighter-centric innovation is not only possible; it’s producing real results,” Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said in a statement.
“We already expanded production ahead of Replicator, and irrespective of Replicator, because we know where this is going,” AeroVironment CEO Wahid Nawabi told Breaking Defense.