Role & capabilities
- Onboard EO/IR observation
- Operator interface
- Multiple integration programmes
- 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 & programme
A purpose-built loitering munition family with an onboard imaging payload. Block and launch-platform differences are important when comparing announcements.
The numerical table explicitly uses Block 2, while the operator training source establishes use of the broader Switchblade 600 family. Do not transfer newer endurance, radio or autonomy claims to every earlier aircraft. Munition mass and all-up-round mass are different measurements.
Sourced specifications
Figures apply to the named configuration. Maximum values are not guaranteed operating performance.
| Specification | Reported value | Context & source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ↗ |
Publication history
- — Expanded catalogue profile with sourced specifications, variant distinctions, programme evidence and explicit public data gaps.
Suggest a correction to this entry →
Follow the evidence
Source types identify who makes the claim. Programme milestones and supplier statements should be read in context.
- AV Switchblade 600 Block 2 (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer / programme source
- US Army Switchblade 600 training, May 2026 (opens in a new tab)Government / operator