PERCH
The Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed (PERCH) from General Dynamics Land Systems and AV is a common modular kit that integrates the Aerovironment Switchblade SB300 and SB600 loitering munitions onto M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 and Stryker vehicles to provide beyond line of sight (BLOS) capability for surveillance and lethality.
It operates on existing vehicle computer systems.
SB 300 Block 20 Lethality
- 20-plus-minute endurance
- Steeper attack angles
- User-selectable point of detonation
- Anti-armor and anti-personnel effects
- Patented wave-off/recommit
SB 600 Lethality
- 40-plus-minute endurance
- Precision Strike All-in-one RSTA + NLOS
- Anti-armor warhead with patented wave-off/recommit
Mobility
- SB loitering munitions provide reconnaissance capability beyond line of sight (BLOS) to enhance route selection for mobility and security
- Retains existing Abrams mounting hardware – does not require welding nor cutting
Survivability
- Enhances Soldier and vehicle survivability by enabling crews to detect and engage targets at extended ranges, beyond line of sight
Mission
- Abrams tanks or Stryker vehicles equipped with PERCH typically would deploy their SB300 loitering munitions to gain extended range surveillance beyond line of sight while conducting reconnaissance, security, offensive or defensive missions
- SB300 munitions can be deployed to engage and destroy dismounted enemy soldiers in the open or in defilade positions, or lightly armored vehicles
- SB600 loitering munitions typically would be employed to extend the range and loitering time for surveillance and to destroy armored vehicles or hardened positions