Politics & Government
Video: Troops Will Soon Deploy Aerovironment's 'Kamikaze' Drones
The U.S. Army said the Switchblade spy drone--essentially a remote-controlled missile--will soon be used by troops in combat, according to Agence France-Presse.
The "Switchblade" drone made by local technology firm Aerovironment will soon be deployed in combat by U.S. forces, according to a report by Agence France-Presse.
Nicknamed a "kamikaze drone" because it , the "Switchblade" has an onboard camera and can be carried in a backpack and launched from a tube. A soldier then guides the drone with a remote control and directs it toward a target, which can be locked on via video feed.
"The drone then flies into the "target," detonating a small explosive," AFP wrote.
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The U.S. Army approved a $4.9 million contract with Aerovironment to purchase an undisclosed number of drones in June, according to AFP.
Video footage produced by Aerovironment of the "Switchblade" in action can be seen in the video above.
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