U.S. Successfully Tests Abrams Tank Integrated with Switchblade Drones

American companies General Dynamics and AeroVironment have successfully tested their jointly developed PERCH launcher for Switchblade drones, integrated onto an Abrams tank.

General Dynamics reported the achievement.

The company announced that the Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed (PERCH) system developed together with its strategic partner AeroVironment (AV) was successfully demonstrated during the U.S. Army’s MARS engineering exercises at Fort Hood, Texas.

During the MARS demonstration, soldiers used Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 drones launched from an Abrams tank equipped with the PERCH container to breach obstacles.

The drones provided beyond-line-of-sight reconnaissance and struck ‘high-value targets’ located over the horizon.

“PERCH allows units to deploy Switchblade loitering munitions far forward on the battlefield while remaining under cover and concealed. We are seeing significant interest from service members in this ready-to-use, effective concept, and we look forward to further demonstrations. Together with our partners at AV, we are creating capabilities that ensure victory on the modern battlefield,” said Jim Pascuarett, Vice President for U.S. Strategy and Business Development at General Dynamics Land Systems.

PERCH

The PERCH (Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed) system is mounted on the standard attachment points of the tank and uses its onboard power lines and control systems.

According to the manufacturer, this eliminates the need for welding, cutting, or any major modifications to the vehicle’s structure.

The drone launch and control commands are displayed on the tank’s standard screens, and the interfaces are designed to be intuitive so as not to increase the operators’ workload or require extensive retraining.

The PERCH is designed to use two types of Switchblade drones – the lightweight Switchblade 300 and the heavier Switchblade 600.

The first, weighing about 2.5 kg, is intended for engaging unarmored targets – its programmable warhead contains an explosive charge equivalent to a 40 mm grenade. The drone provides 15 minutes of flight time.

The second is equipped with a more powerful warhead and is designed to engage armored vehicles and fortifications. It has a flight time of up to 40 minutes and an electro-optical guidance system with a stated range of 40–50 km.