AeroVironment unveils multi-drone launcher

AeroVironment has unveiled a multiple drone launcher.

The Multi-Pack Launcher is for the company's Switchblade loitering munition and Blackwing tube-launched tactical unmanned aircraft.

"AeroVironment's design is scalable from 2 to 20 Switchblade/Blackwing rounds and enables rapid reload of less than 30 seconds per round," the company said.

The launcher can be fired by remote control. It can receive from tactical vehicles, or use its own solar panels.

AeroVironment is also working on a version for surface ships.

"Our new Multi-Pack Launcher is compact, modular and rugged to provide fixed and mobile force protection and ISR for our warfighters in frontline operating environments," AeroVironment Vice President and General Manager Kirk Flittie said. "We designed MPL from the ground-up to address warfighters' needs, based on our extensive operating and training experience in the field, for easy installation, integration and operation. The MPL's ability to launch either our Switchblade rounds or our Blackwing UAVs provides additional flexibility to our customers to address a growing number of mission requirements in the future."

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