# Kamikaze Drones The New Switchblade UAV Uses Self-Destruct Tech to Engage Enemies By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-09-11 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchblade References: [msnbc.msn](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44412133/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/#.TmpO1q6FHn0) & [defensetech.org](http://defensetech.org/2011/09/08/army-buying-kamikaze-micro-drones/) In a twist of irony destined for the history books, the [United States](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firefly-drone) is deploying Switchblades throughout the combat-stricken areas they occupy. What exactly are Switchblades? They're [unmanned aerial drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsmall-drone) being billed as "computerized suicide bombers." Whereas most UAVs merely record surveillance footage and perhaps coordinate an air strike at most, the Switchblade swoops directly into the line of fire and continues straight into the buildings, cars or abdomens of specified targets. Launched from what looks like a mortar tube, soldiers guide the drone via goggles and a joystick. What expounds the bizarreness of these gamepad-controlled suicide drones is their price -- the [U.S. Army](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-glider) contracted the first fleet of Switchblades for just $4.9 million. Having the ability to immediately conduct reconnaissance and, if need be, blow things up is incredibly valuable to modern armies. I can't imagine these would ever be an unpopular contract choice. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Self-destruct Tech:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop self-destruct technology for UAVs to increase safety and prevent capture of sensitive information during missions. - **Gamepad-controlled Drones:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create advanced gamepad control systems for drones to enhance precision and maneuverability during combat operations. - **Affordable Suicide Drones:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design cost-effective suicide drones for military use to increase effectiveness and reduce financial burden. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Defense and Military:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate advanced drone technology into military operations to improve surveillance, reconnaissance, and engagement capabilities. - **Robotics and Automation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop autonomous drone technologies for various industries including defense, agriculture, and transportation. - **Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Pioneer the production of low-cost, high-performance drones to meet the increasing demand for unmanned aerial systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Road-Legal Flying Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchblade-1.md) - [Multi-Mission Military Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vtol-drones.md) - [Laser-Controlled Military Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lasercontrolled-military-drone.md) - [Bladeless Rescue Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vita-bladeless.md) - [Ultrasonic Balloon-Borne Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blimp-drone.md) - [Drone-Intercepting Quadcopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-interceptor.md) - [Commercial Aerial Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ageagle.md) - [Autonomous High-Profile Combat Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorcycle-drone.md) - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md)