The Switchblade is a loitering munition used by many NATO and allied forces and available in two variants. It is a disposable UAV designed to loiter over an area and strike designated targets with precision.
- Switchblade 300 is small and lightweight, allowing multiple units to be carried by a single operator. It has short range and endurance with VIS, NV, and TI imaging and a payload comparable to a 40 mm HEDP grenade, making it suitable for infantry and light vehicles. It can detonate on impact or airburst.
- Switchblade 600 is a larger variant with longer range and endurance and a payload comparable to a Javelin ATGM, making it suitable for armoured vehicles and heavier targets.
Switchblade munitions are launched from a disposable tube at an elevated angle and typically deployed from covered or rear positions. After launch, the munition loiters over the area and is controlled through a UAV terminal.
Target designation can be performed using automated waypoints or manual targeting. Automated targeting is generally discouraged due to unpredictability and policy restrictions, while manual designation using the turret camera and target lock provides better control and visual confirmation. Once a target is locked, the munition conducts a top down attack and can be cancelled or self destructed if required.
Known issue: Direct targeting through GMs remote control may not function correctly; a UAV terminal should be used for manual designation.
Initial Version
