The US Army’s 1st Cavalry Division has successfully executed its inaugural live-fire exercise utilizing the innovative Switchblade 600 loitering munition system at Fort Hood, Texas. This operation showcased the advanced system’s capability to engage targets positioned up to 15 kilometers (approximately 9.3 miles) from the front lines, significantly enhancing the brigade’s operational reach and targeting proficiency.
Prior to the live-fire drill, soldiers participated in an intensive five-day training course arranged by the manufacturer. This course encompassed essential aspects such as the setup, arming, and programming procedures required for effective flight and strike missions.
Army Captain Jeffrey Weller, the commander of the Multifunctional Reconnaissance Troop within the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, emphasized the strategic advantages of the Switchblade system. “The Switchblade allows us to target vehicles or small groups of personnel from much farther away than before,” he stated. He further elaborated on its implications for battlefield effectiveness: “It increases our lethality, minimizes collateral damage, and helps protect soldiers on the front lines.”
The exercise was conducted as part of the division’s “Pegasus Charge” initiative, which aligns with the broader “Transforming in Contact” modernization program initiated by the US Army. This program is centered around integrating advanced technologies into armored units to enhance their operational capabilities.
Future plans indicate that the 1st Cavalry Division will further leverage the Switchblade 600 during its forthcoming rotation at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. This integration marks a significant step toward revolutionizing operational standards within the division.
The Switchblade 600 itself is a tube-launched, battery-powered unmanned aircraft system engineered for precision strikes. Measuring approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length and weighing 75 pounds (34 kilograms), it is equipped with a 5-pound (2.3 kilograms) Javelin-class warhead. Notably, the system boasts a flight time of up to 45 minutes and can cover a maximum distance of 27 miles (43 kilometers).
Operators can utilize onboard cameras to navigate the munition accurately towards targeted sites. In a notable feature, an abort command can be executed mid-flight, allowing for strikes to be canceled if necessary. Recent tests of the Switchblade 600 system included its first-air launch from an MQ-9A Reaper in Arizona, marking significant advancements in this technology’s development and deployment potential.
