As part of efforts to strengthen the strike capabilities of the M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks, the U.S. Army and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have succeeded in equipping one vehicle with a loitering munition launcher, also announcing that trials conducted at Fort Hood, Texas, have been successfully completed. Designated the Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed (PERCH) system, it was developed with the aim of deploying the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 models provided by AeroVironment, enabling the U.S. Army to engage targets beyond line of sight.
Providing further details, the manufacturer explained that PERCH can be integrated onto tanks without the need for complex welding or cutting work, requiring only the replacement of the sponson box at the rear of the turret, with the launcher bolted onto existing mounting points. Looking ahead, and pending a contract award from the U.S. Army, GDLS intends to continue developing the launcher so that it can operate seamlessly using the vehicle’s own onboard computer systems, replacing the tablets used to date. In addition, the launcher is expected to be adaptable for installation on Stryker platforms and other, as yet unspecified, vehicles.
Regarding the trials themselves, the company stated that they were carried out during the Machine Assisted Rugged Sapper (MARS) event, which took place between October 26 and 30. There, the U.S. Army’s 36th Engineer Brigade and III Armored Corps had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with PERCH’s capabilities, successfully completing complex missions designed to demonstrate its ability to locate and neutralize high-value targets at long distances. In particular, it was noted that the launcher simultaneously carried three Switchblade 300s and one Switchblade 600, providing the tank with a significant strike capability.
Citing official statements on the matter, Brian Young, current Senior Vice President of Loitering Munition Systems at AeroVironment, stated: “The integration of Switchblade 300 and 600 systems onto General Dynamics Land Systems platforms via the modular PERCH kit provides immediate operational advantages by extending range and enabling rapid, precise effects from protected positions. This demonstration showcased the expanded beyond-line-of-sight precision strike capability available to our armed forces through the integration of advanced loitering munition systems on combat vehicles. We value our collaboration with GDLS and our shared commitment to delivering reliable, combat-ready solutions.”
It is also useful to recall that the Switchblade 300 loitering munitions have an estimated range of 9.6 kilometers and an endurance of 15 minutes, carrying a high-explosive warhead weighing approximately 1.8 kilograms. They are equipped with nose-mounted cameras that transmit real-time imagery to the operator, enabling course corrections and assisting the autonomous guidance system that directs the munition to the target, even if the link with the launcher is lost during the terminal phase. Meanwhile, the Switchblade 600 is a larger, longer-range variant, employing an explosive warhead similar to that of the Javelin missiles used by U.S. troops against armored vehicles and enemy structures.
From a tactical standpoint, U.S. analysts agree that the use of the PERCH system not only extends the M1A2 Abrams’ strike range, but also provides the advantage of a self-protecting vehicle operating in hostile environments, rather than relying on a traditional trailer-based launcher. This would facilitate launcher positioning during combat, while reducing intelligence preparation requirements, allowing it to operate on the battlefield without compromising platform survivability.
*Cover image credit: Anthony Housey
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