, At the upcoming Australian Air Show, one of the major highlights will be the new generation Skylark I, Elbit Systems' latest addition to its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle line. Skylark I is a compact, man-pack UAV for close range, beyond-the-next hill, counter-terror missions. The new platform incorporates an array of features and capabilities assuring optimal performance in diverse scenarios and weather conditions.
Designed for day and night observation and data collection beyond-the-next hill to distances over 10 km, Skylark I boasts an exceptionally quiet electric propulsion. Fully autonomous from takeoff to landing, the new-generation platform possesses outstanding surveillance capabilities and is easily launched and operated by an individual soldier.
The newest Skylark has been upgraded from tip to tail while maintaining its aerodynamic configuration. Its advanced secured digital communication channels assure interference-free, secured communication. Several additional data link channels are now operable while spectrum requirements have been substantially reduced. Flight controls have been enhanced resulting in energy optimization. The payload and airframe have been ruggedized and gyro-stabilized to stand up to harsh weather and rough terrain conditions; the new platform is adaptable to a broad range of different payloads.
Skylark has been selected by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Ground Forces. Skylark is operational and currently deployed in the global war on terror in Israel, Iraq and Afghanistan. It has already been procured by several customers across the globe.
Designed as a highly effective solution for smaller forces, Skylark is especially effective for yielding real-time intelligence at an affordable price. It can be used for both military and homeland security applications including perimeter security, border and coastal surveillance, anti-terrorism surveillance and law enforcement.
Launched by hand and recovered by autonomous maneuver with airbag protection assuring safe landing in any terrain, Skylark features fully autonomous flight, real-time continuous video and telemetry data transmission and rugged portable tactical computers for command and control.
The new Mini-UAV is part of a full family designed for diverse missions. These include the Hermes 450, an upper range tactical UAV, the Hermes 1500 for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) and the Hermes 180, well suited for brigade-level Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense-related programs throughout the world. The Elbit Systems Group, which includes the company and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, advanced electro-optic and space technologies, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and equipment. The Group also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new technologies for defense and homeland security applications.
Germany says adding explosive drones to weapons arsenal
Germany said Friday it would buy explosive drones for the first time as Berlin boosts investments in its armed forces...
