WASHINGTON — General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), in partnership with AeroVironment, has unveiled PERCH 2.0 (Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed) ahead of its formal debut at AUSA 2026. The upgraded modular kit enables M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 main battle tank and Stryker 8×8 armored vehicle crews to launch AeroVironment Switchblade 300 loitering munitions directly from under full armor protection, eliminating the need to open hatches during launch sequences.
The system addresses critical survivability and sensor-to-shooter capability gaps by giving heavy and medium armored maneuver formations an organic, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) reconnaissance and precision-strike asset. Incorporating operational feedback from the 2025 MARS demonstration at Fort Hood, PERCH 2.0 introduces a simplified reloading architecture to enable sustained loitering-munition employment in contested environments.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: PERCH 2.0 SYSTEM & SWITCHBLADE 300 INTEGRATION 
* Developer & Integrator: General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) in partnership with AeroVironment
* System Classification: Vehicle-Integrated, Under-Armor Tube Launcher for Loitering Munitions
* Compatible Host Platforms:
* M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 Main Battle Tank (MBT)
* Stryker 8×8 Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV)
* Integration Architecture: Common modular bolt-on kit; does not require permanent structural hull modifications
* Integrated Ordnance: AeroVironment Switchblade 300 / Switchblade 300 Block 20
* Operational & Dynamic Performance Metrics:
* Launch Envelope: 100% Hatch-closed / under-armor deployment (maintains vehicle CBRN seal and ballistic protection)
* Sensor Package: Dual-camera Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) gimbaled sensor stream for real-time video feeds
* Target Engagement Range: Beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) reach extending past conventional 120mm main gun direct-fire ranges
* Tactical Functionality: Organic aerial reconnaissance, obstacle/ridgeline scouting, and immediate transition to precision kinetic strike
* Survivability & Ergonomic Upgrades:
* Reload Architecture: Redesigned rapid-reload canister mechanism based on 2025 Fort Hood trial datasets
* Crew Safety: Shields operators from anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) teams, sniper fire, and shrapnel during launch
* Programmatic Status: Industry-developed technology demonstration and modular integration kit; pending U.S. Army Program of Record designation and fleet production procurement orders
