Israeli unmanned air systems manufacturer Aeronautics is using its Orbiter 3 to compete for a contract to supply a brigade-level UAV for the ground units of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
The IDF has accelerated its efforts to deploy an advanced UAV for the brigade level, after its requirement for such a system following the lessons learned from last summer’s operation in Gaza.
The IDF’s artillery corps “Sky Rider” UAV battalion operating the Elbit systems SkyLark 1E was busy during combat. The Skylark 1-LE is designed for data collection and target marking at mission ranges exceeding 32nm (60km).
The system is man-portable and can be deployed by dismounted teams or in vehicle-based mobilisation/deployment configurations including on-the-move operations.
According to Elbit Systems, the SkyLark 1-LE is a highly autonomous system, including a fly-by-camera mode enabling day or night detection and tracking of fixed or moving targets. Its mission range is 50km and its endurance is 3h.
Now the IDF has revived a plan for a bigger UAV than the one operated by the “Sky Rider” battalion. The current operational demand is to give the IDF’s brigades the independence of operating their own UAV.
There are no specific details on the design, but sources say it will be larger than the SkyLark, launched with the assistance of a catapult and will carry a very advanced payload.
Elbit Systems has offered a new design and Aeronautics confirms it has entered the competition with its Orbiter 3.
Aeronautics deputy chief executive Dany Eshchar says the Orbiter 3 in its current form perfectly fits the operational requirements of the IDF’s brigade level UAV.
Source: Flight Daily News
