The Israel defence forces' ground units have finalised a requirement for an advanced unmanned air system.
Currently, the service's ground units – mainly the artillery corps – operate Elbit Systems' upgraded SkyLark 1 LE as their main battalion-level UAS. Dubbed the "Sky Rider", the type is designed for data collection and target marking at mission ranges exceeding 32nm (60km).
In recent years there were plans to introduce a bigger UAS for ground forces, but the planned SkyLark 2 did not advance. However, the ground forces have now finalised their operational requirements, with sources related to the programme saying the new design will have improved endurance and carry payloads that will be "very flexible" under different conditions.
The SkyLark 1 LE has been delivered to more than 20 nations worldwide. With an operating ceiling of 15,000ft and an endurance of 3h, the type has a maximum take-off weight of 7.5kg (16.5lb). The autonomous system features a "fly-by-camera" mode, which enables day or night detection and tracking of fixed or moving targets.
Source: Flight International
