The modern soldier is faced with an array of challenges, not the least of which is carrying their individual
load of both personal sustainment equipment and mission-specific gear. When soldiers' rucksack needs shift
based on their mission set, the static nature of traditional load carriage solutions that focus on personal sustainment
leave capability gaps. Catoma designed this system to provide an efficient carriage solution to end users who have uniquely cumbersome or technical loads to carry. The Switchblade ecosystem of load carriage is modular in 3 ways: 1) The frameset is
built on a rigid, carbon fiber framesheet and fitted with articulating shoulder straps and a waistbelt, meaning the
frameset can be adjusted for torso length and width, repaired by replacing individual parts, and easily adapted
for body armor compatibility. 2) The design offers the ability to mount multiple different rucksack and carriage
components onto this one ergonomic and dynamic frameset, meaning the user can have one reliable, well-fitted,
and familiar frame for any mission and pack size. 3) The Frameset/Molle Panel combination can carry a variety
of mission-specific gear, as diverse as the MOSs that require load carriage. This Molle Panel features attachment
points that allow components to be "Stacked" over the Molle panel and any gear loaded onto it. This approach
allows the user to carry both mission specific and personal sustainment gear efficiently.

Current arrangments of kits for carrying the munitions and weapons components of the M240 Team, 60mm Mortar Team, 81mm Mortar Team, Gustaf Team, and long gun specialists have been assigned NSNs and are currently being fielded throughout the Army. The ecosystem is the perfect toolkit to be adapted for other end users with special load carriage needs like SOF, Breachers,
Medics, Comms Specialists, Electronic Warfare, UAV and anti-UAV equipment, etc. This modular ecosystem is a modern take on load carriage that can increase mobility and lethality for users across the force. The ability to issue one frameset with multiple rucksack sizes makes this a versatile and economic system for any operator.