Kamikaze Drone

Manufacturer: AeroVironment
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed Subsonic
Endurance Up to 40 minutes
Operational Range 40 km
Payload Capacity Anti armor warhead

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Switchblade 600
Manufacturer	AeroVironment
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Loitering Munition
First Flight / Introduced	2020
Status	In Service
Unit Cost	USD 100,000 plus (Approx.)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	Approx 185 km/h
Cruise Speed	Approx 110 km/h
Operational Range	Up to 40 km
Endurance	Up to 40 minutes
Service Ceiling	Approx 4,500 m
Rate of Climb	Pneumatic Tube Launch

3. Dimensions

Length	Approx 1.3 m
Wingspan	Approx 1.2 m
Height	Approx 23 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	Backpack Portable

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	Anti armor warhead
Hardpoints	Comparable to Javelin class
Weapons	EO IR seeker
Sensors	Impact, self destruct capable
Avionics	Operator abort option

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Electric motor
Engine Power	Rear mounted pusher propeller
Propeller Type	Low

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Man in the loop remote
Data Link Range	Encrypted digital
Navigation	GPS aided inertial
Ground Control Station	Tablet based fire control

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	US Army, Allied Forces
Combat Proven	Yes
Notable Operations	Urban, mountain, open terrain

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 7 / 10
Operational Flexibility 7 / 10

PROS

Precision strike with minimal collateral damage
Portable and man pack deployable
Anti armor capable warhead
Real time video and operator control
Reduced risk to friendly forces

CONS

Single use system
Limited endurance compared to larger UAVs
Vulnerable to electronic warfare
Weather sensitive in high winds
Higher cost than basic rockets

Switchblade 600 Kamikaze Drone System

The kamikaze drone, also known as a loitering munition, blends the roles of surveillance drone and guided missile. The Switchblade 600 is a leading U.S. example, designed for precision strike missions against armored and high value targets. It can loiter over an area, identify a target, then dive and detonate on impact. This approach gives ground forces fast response firepower without calling in air support.

Manufacturer

The Switchblade 600 is developed by AeroVironment, a California based defense firm known for small unmanned systems. The system was built to meet U.S. Army needs for portable, networked strike weapons that can be deployed by small units in complex terrain.

Speed and Range

Switchblade 600 cruises at moderate subsonic speed, optimized for endurance rather than dash velocity. It offers a loiter time of up to 40 minutes and an operational range of around 40 kilometers when using advanced data links. The drone can switch from surveillance to attack mode in seconds.

Cost and Price

Unit cost estimates place the Switchblade 600 in the low hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars per round, depending on configuration and support equipment. Pricing reflects its precision guidance, secure communications, and anti armor warhead.

Operational Use

The system has been supplied to U.S. forces and allies, with combat use reported in recent conflicts. Its portability and accuracy make it useful for infantry, special operations, and rapid response units.

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