M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks could soon gain the ability to launch Switchblade loitering munitions through General Dynamics Land Systems’ (GDLS) PERCH (Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed) system, potentially expanding the tank’s reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities.
According to reports, GDLS plans to deliver four PERCH 2.0 prototypes to the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood by the end of October. Soldiers will integrate the systems onto Abrams tanks for testing, according to Scott Taylor, GDLS’s director of U.S. growth.
PERCH 2.0 represents the second iteration of the company’s canister-based system, which is designed to enable armored vehicles to deploy loitering munitions.
Following a demonstration of the original PERCH system at last year’s Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibition, the U.S. Army provided feedback to GDLS.
The company subsequently incorporated the Army’s recommendations into the PERCH 2.0 design and developed its first prototype using internal research and development funding. The upcoming trials will help assess the system’s integration with Abrams tanks and its potential to provide armored units with additional reconnaissance and precision-engagement options.
Let’s get into the details.
Source: Defense Updates
