Switchblade 400 Awarded U.S. Army LASSO Program Contract
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 6 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy AVAV?
Source: Newsfilter
- Increased Military Trust: The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a prototype agreement for the Switchblade 400, establishing it as a key component of the Low-Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, which supports rapid development and testing, thereby enhancing the Army's precision strike capabilities.
- Technological Innovation: Switchblade 400 incorporates advanced target recognition and autonomous capabilities, enabling it to detect and engage targets day or night in contested environments while delivering anti-armor performance comparable to larger systems like the Switchblade 600 Blk 2, thus enhancing battlefield adaptability.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing under 40 pounds, the system allows for single-soldier operation and supports a sensor-to-shooter concept, shortening decision timelines and increasing tactical flexibility to meet modern battlefield demands for rapid response.
- Continuous Feedback Mechanism: The development of Switchblade 400 is driven by soldier feedback, with AeroVironment continuously integrating new capabilities, enhancing performance, and reducing soldier burden to ensure effectiveness and relevance in future conflicts.
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Analyst Views on AVAV
Wall Street analysts forecast AVAV stock price to rise
13 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 168.180
Low
315.00
Averages
390.75
High
450.00
Current: 168.180
Low
315.00
Averages
390.75
High
450.00
About AVAV
AeroVironment, Inc. is a defense technology provider delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, precision strike systems, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities. The Company’s segments include Autonomous Systems (AxS) and Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy (SCDE). The AxS segment focuses on the design, development, production, delivery, and support of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and ground robot systems. It includes the Company’s former Uncrewed Systems, Loitering Munitions Systems, and MacCready Works segments as well as Radio Frequency and Kinetic Counter-UAS Electronic Warfare Systems and others. The SCDE segment focuses on advanced technologies in the space domain providing space-based and ground-based platforms, cyber capabilities, and directed energy systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Safety Measures Assessment: The system showcased automated safety shut-off functions during testing, ensuring engagement only with confirmed targets, and indicated no adverse effects on civilian aircraft under controlled conditions, highlighting its safety and effectiveness in complex airspace.
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- Safety Validation: The test showcased automated safety shut-off features that ensure the system only engages validated targets, with no adverse impact on civilian aircraft during controlled evaluation scenarios, thereby enhancing public trust in the technology.
- Strategic Implications: The successful validation of LOCUST provides a critical layer in modern integrated air defense architecture, equipped with precision engagement and rapid response capabilities to effectively address the growing drone threat, thereby enhancing national security.
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