General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and AeroVironment (AV) have collaborated on the air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition (LM) from a GA-ASI Block 5 MQ-9A unmanned aircraft system (UAS).
“This cooperative effort showcased how combining different unmanned technologies could really provide value and effects to the warfighter,” GA-ASI President David Alexander said.
“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 flight testing took place from July 22-24 at the US Army Yuma Proving Grounds Test Range. It has marked the first time a Switchblade 600 has ever been launched from an unmanned aircraft, according to GA-ASI.
After successfully integrating the SB600 with the MQ-9A, the team has released two LMs: one with an inert warhead and the other with a high-explosive round. After launch, the team had transferred control of the Switchblade from a user in the MQ-9A’s ground control station to a user on the ground nearer the operational area.
The test, according to the company, has further validated GA-ASI’s ability to integrate and operate a variety of airborne launched effects on the battlefield – including both those built by GA-ASI and by partners such as AV – and how their use in conflict provides risk-tolerant options to commanders in contested operations.
Last month, GA-ASI's aircraft, the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, conducted flight testing in coordination with the US Air Force (USAF).
“What a great moment for the U.S. Air Force and for GA-ASI,” Alexander said at the time. “It’s been our collaboration that enabled us to build and fly the YFQ-42A in just over a year. It’s an incredible achievement and I salute the Air Force for its vision and I salute our development team for delivering yet another historic first for our company.”