Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has revealed more details of the ongoing efforts to arm M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks with the Switchblade series of loitering munitions, via a system known as Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed (PERCH). After industry-funded trials, the company now hopes to win a U.S. Army contract for further tests of an improved version of the system.
GDLS also recently released a photo showing the launch of one of the loitering munitions from a pop-up canister mounted on the tank’s turret, where it replaces the standard loader sponson box.
These disclosures follow the demonstration of the PERCH system, which integrates the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 loitering munitions into the M1A2 Abrams SEPv3, the latest variant of the tank in U.S. Army service. PERCH can also be integrated on Stryker 8×8 infantry carrier vehicles, and potentially other platforms. The launcher can hold three Switchblade 300s and one 600 at the same time.
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