U.S. Soldiers to be Armed with Mini Drones in Backpacks

Daily News Article   —   Posted on October 20, 2011

(from reports at nypost.com and google.com) LOS ANGELES — A miniature drone that is small enough to fit in a backpack will be used soon by U.S. soldiers going into battle.

The weapon, named Switchblade, weighs less than six pounds and will allow troops who spot a hidden enemy to dive-bomb the target, while minimizing collateral damage.

Powered by an electric motor, the guided missile is launched from a two-foot tube, unfolding wings as it soars up to 50mph. If the soldier who launched it changes their mind after firing, the weapon can be recalled or redirected.

AeroVironment, the Los Angeles-based company that developed the portable mini drone, described it as a “magic bullet” that can stay in the air for up to 40 minutes.

“Infantrymen can take it out of a backpack, put it into the tube and use it as a weapon immediately,” an AeroVironment spokesman added.

[When launched], the Switchblade transmits video in real time from overhead, allowing a soldier to identify an enemy, the company said in a press release last month.

“Upon confirming the target using the live video feed, the operator then sends a command to the air vehicle to arm it and lock its trajectory onto the target,” it said.

The drone then flies into the “target,” detonating a small explosive.

The California-based firm also said the drone can be called off at the last moment, even after a kill mission has been ordered. That feature provides troops with “a level of control not available in other weapon systems,” it said.

The United States currently uses larger Predator and Reaper drones to hunt down suspected militants in Pakistan and elsewhere.

These [large drones] fire powerful Hellfire missiles and drop heavy bombs that can cause civilian casualties and extensive damage…

In the war in Afghanistan, U.S and coalition troops fighting the the Taliban can call in artillery fire or air strikes from fighter jets and attack helicopters. But the heavy firepower has been blamed by Afghan leaders for claiming the lives of innocent civilians…

The Switchblade, however, is touted as a way to avoid killing bystanders.

“Flying quietly at high speed the Switchblade delivers its onboard explosive payload with precision while minimizing collateral damage,” the company said.

The U.S. Army in June approved a $4.9 million contract for AeroVironment to supply the new drones as soon as possible. Officials have not said how many Switchblade drones were ordered or when the robotic weapons would make it into the hands of U.S. forces.

…The Switchblade is expected to be deployed on its first operational mission to southern and eastern Afghanistan.  It is already being tested “in theater” by the army, officials confirmed.

The article above is a combination of two articles about the Switchblade drone, found at nypost.com and (an AFP story) at googlenews. Reprinted here for educational purposes only. May not be reproduced on other websites without permission from nypost.com and google.com.