General Dynamics, AeroVironment Demonstrate PERCH Loitering Munitions Launcher

General Dynamics Land Systems and AeroVironment have demonstrated the Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed (PERCH) system at the U.S. Army’s Machine Assisted Rugged Sapper (MARS) event at Fort Hood, Texas.

PERCH is a modular kit that integrates AV’s Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 loitering munitions into M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 main battle tanks and Stryker infantry carrier vehicles for beyond-line-of-sight surveillance and lethality. PERCH does not require welding nor cutting for mounting; instead, it replaces the Abrams’ loader sponson box and is bolted into place using existing attachment points. Future iterations will operate on existing vehicle computer systems.

At the MARS demo on Oct. 26-30, users completed a complex obstacle breach with the aid of beyond-line-of-sight reconnaissance and over-the-horizon targeting of high-value targets provided by a Switchblade 300 and a Switchblade 600 launched from an Abrams tank via PERCH.