Israel's defence forces have completed a series of operational tests with Elbit Systems' Skylark 2, which was recently selected as the infantry's brigade-level unmanned air vehicle system.
The type was chosen after the defence ministry rejected a request from rival bidder Israel Aerospace Industries to give it more time to develop its Panther tiltrotor UAV.
The Skylark 2 is designed for data collection and target marking tasks at mission ranges exceeding 32nm (60km).
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Elbit says the selected design uses a highly deployable single vehicle equipped with an integral launcher for launch and recovery, and an advanced dual-post ground control station. The demonstration proved that full operations are possible with a two-person crew.
The Skylark 2 has a maximum take-off weight of 65kg (143lb), including an electro-optical/infrared sensor payload with a laser illuminator. The UAV has a 6.5m (21.3ft) wingspan and offers an endurance of 4h at altitudes up to 15,000ft.
Source: Flight International