Switchblade 600
A purpose-built loitering munition family with an onboard imaging payload. Block and launch-platform differences are important when comparing announcements.
- Country / region
- United States
- Programme status
- Use documented
- Sources reviewed
- 20 Sept 2026
- Primary domain
- Air
- System type
- Loitering munition
- Developer / manufacturer
- AeroVironment
- Origin / production countries
- United States
- Other names
- No additional names recorded
- Variants / configurations
- Switchblade 600 baseline; Switchblade 600 Block 2
- Operators / programme customers
- No complete operator list disclosed in the reviewed sources
Evidence & current status
The cited public record documents military use or operator acceptance. Specifications still depend on the particular production version and mission configuration.
Role & capabilities
- Onboard EO/IR observation
- Operator interface
- Multiple integration programmes
Specifications in context
- Airframe
- Expendable fixed-wing loitering munition
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗ - Launch / recovery
- Canister launch; no routine recovery
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗ - Propulsion
- Not established from the reviewed sources.
Public data gap; no estimate substituted. Follow the source for subsequent releases.
Source ↗ - Dimensions
- Not established from the reviewed sources.
Public data gap; no estimate substituted. Follow the source for subsequent releases.
Source ↗ - Mass
- Block 2: 16.3 kg munition; 30.8 kg all-up round
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗ - Endurance
- Block 2: 50+ min
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗ - Range
- Block 2: 100+ km with forward handoff; not an unaided radio radius
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗ - Speed
- Block 2: 113 km/h loiter; 185 km/h sprint
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗ - Altitude
- Not established from the reviewed sources.
Public data gap; no estimate substituted. Follow the source for subsequent releases.
Source ↗ - Payload
- Not established from the reviewed sources.
Public data gap; no estimate substituted. Follow the source for subsequent releases.
Source ↗ - Sensors
- Block 2 dual EO/IR gimbal
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗ - Communications / navigation
- Networked relay/handoff capability advertised
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗