PROJECT SUMMARY:
SwitchBlade is a folding wing, unlimited endurance UAV system. The Switch Blade is capable of launching, refueling and in-flight recovery from carrier aircraft with plug and play payloads.
The purpose of this project is to develop a design approach that proves the enabling technologies necessary to successfully provide for a UAV system that is capable of launching, recovering, towing, refueling in-flight, and acting as a decoy launched from a carrier aircraft
The SwitchBlade UAV also has multiple mission capability by having an interchangeable payload pod. This long endurance UAV system can be made at a reasonable cost, is reusable, is quick to launch and recover, produces high quality tactical images and information, and produces low noise and radar signature even in the most hazardous wind conditions. Additionally, this UAV system may be adapted for use with existing systems, and has the potential to increase performance and improve the overall working environment. By using existing systems as launching platforms and eliminating the need for landing gear, the system developed by Precision Design reduces the overall system cost by fifty percent when compared to current systems.