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2w ago

MQ-9A Reaper Air-Launches Switchblade 600 for the First Time

Company disclosures highlight SATCOM control with a ground handoff to showcase the Reaper as an airborne launch node.

AV’s Switchblade 600 air-launched from GA MQ-9A during the test. Credit: GA-ASI/AeroVironment, Inc/Business Wire.

Overview

  • GA-ASI and AeroVironment confirmed July 22–24 trials at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds that validated the integration on an MQ-9A Block 5.
  • Two Switchblade 600s were released during the event, one with an inert warhead and one with a live high-explosive round.
  • After launch, control shifted from the MQ-9A’s ground control station to a forward operator closer to the target area.
  • The companies report SATCOM-enabled, beyond-line-of-sight employment with potential reach beyond about 175 km from a 30,000 ft release.
  • The demonstration is framed as advancing Air-Launched Effects concepts for MQ-9 mothership roles, with no operational fielding timeline announced.