Switchblade 600 SOP: Infantry Tactical Integration Guide 2026

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): Infantry Integration of SB600 Loitering Munitions

Document Control Number: SOP-INF-SB600-04

Classification: RESTRICTED // TACTICAL USE ONLY

Applies to: Platoon-level and Company-level UAS Operators/Infantry Squads

1. Purpose

To establish a standardized framework for the transport, deployment, and tactical integration of the Switchblade 600 (SB600) into organic infantry operations to achieve long-range, precision-strike capability without external fire support.

2. Personnel & Loadout

The SB600 is a "man-portable" but heavy system. Effective integration requires a dedicated UAS Strike Team (3 Personnel):

• Team Leader (TL): Oversees airspace deconfliction, coordinates with higher HQ (C2), and designates high-value targets.

• Pilot/Operator (PO): Operates the Ground Control Station (GCS) and executes the terminal strike.

• Mission Specialist (MS): Responsible for the physical setup of the launcher, security of the launch site, and technical troubleshooting.

Loadout Distribution:

• PO: GCS, Antenna/Data Link, and personal weapon.

• MS: Launch Tube (AUR - All Up Round) and tripod.

• TL: Extra batteries, thermal spotting optics, and communication gear.

3. Pre-Deployment: The "Hot-Start" Protocol

Before engaging, the team must ensure the following steps are met to minimize "time-to-launch" (TTL):

1. Airspace Clearance: Confirm "Green Light" from Battalion/Brigade air-space managers to avoid fratricide with friendly rotary-wing or ISR assets.

2. Frequency Management: Select a clear DDL (Digital Data Link) frequency to avoid interference with friendly EW (Electronic Warfare) bubbles.

3. Battery Verification: Ensure the munition and GCS report >95% battery life. Cold-weather operations require pre-heating battery packs.

4. Phases of Engagement

Phase I: Stealth Insertion & Site Selection

• Launch Site: Must be behind hard cover or in a depression to mask the launch signature (flash/smoke).

• Stand-off: Ideally 5–10 km behind the Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT) to remain outside of enemy mortar/FPV range.

• Orientation: Align the tube within 30° of the predicted target vector to minimize energy expenditure during the climb phase.

Phase II: Launch and Loiter (RSTA Phase)

• Launch: Execute tube launch; PO confirms wing deployment and motor ignition.

• Climb: Ascend to "Transit Altitude" (typically 500–1,000m AGL) to maximize sensor FOV and minimize acoustic detection.

• Scanning: Use the EO/IR gimbal to scan "Kill Zones" or "Named Areas of Interest" (NAIs).

Phase III: Target Acquisition & Confirmation

• Positive ID (PID): The TL must confirm target identity (e.g., T-90M, Electronic Warfare vehicle, Command Post).

• Verification: Check for collateral damage risks (civilians/friendly proximity).

• Lock-on: PO engages "Target Lock." The SB600 transitions from loiter mode to terminal dive mode.

Phase IV: Terminal Strike (The "Kamikaze" Run)

• Dive Angle: High-angle (top-down) is preferred for armored targets to exploit thin turret/engine roof armor.

• Wave-off Capability: If the target moves into a "No-Strike" zone, the PO must be prepared to abort the dive and return to loiter (fuel permitting).

• Impact: PO maintains "man-in-the-loop" control until impact to correct for windage or target movement.

5. Post-Strike Actions (BDA & Displacement)

1. Battle Damage Assessment (BDA): Use secondary ISR (e.g., a DJI Mavic or Puma) to confirm the target is neutralized.

2. Site Sanitization: Pack the reusable GCS and tripod. Leave no sensitive electronic components or packaging behind.

3. Rapid Displacement: Move to a secondary location immediately (minimum 500m) to avoid enemy counter-battery fire or "direction-finding" (DF) sweeps.

6. Contingency: EW Interference & Link Loss

• Primary Action: If DDL is lost, the SB600 will automatically enter a "Circle-at-Point" loiter pattern while attempting to re-establish the link.

• Secondary Action: If the link is not restored within 120 seconds, the munition is programmed to self-destruct or fly to a pre-designated "Dead-Drop" coordinate to prevent enemy capture of the technology.

7. Summary Checklist for Platoon Leads