Elbit Unveils Skylark3 Unmanned Craft

The Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems unveiled on Wednesday the Skylark3, a new autonomous mini-Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

The new mini-drone was designed for brigades and divisions engaged in reconnaissance, counterinsurgency and force protection missions, as well as for use in a range of civil applications, such as border and coastal security and counter-terror operations.

The new system has already been requisitioned by an undisclosed customer.

The craft provides high-resolution images of the ground from over enemy territory. These include superior Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) video and photographic imaging in both day and night operations and in adverse field conditions.

The aerial vehicle incorporates an electric motor which reduces sound signature and enables operating over long distances and at high altitudes, has a 4.8 m wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 45 kg. It has a service ceiling of 15,000 ft.

Skylark 3 offers a wide range of system enhancements, including a significantly longer range (more than 65 miles), flight endurance (up to 6 hours) and larger payload capacity (up to 7 pounds). Launched via a pneumatic launcher, mounted either on the ground or on a vehicle, Skylark 3 offers upgrades such as improved payloads with better target detection, classification and surveillance capabilities.

To support interoperability, Skylark 3 uses the same advanced technologies and know-how found in other Elbit Systems UAS’s. In addition, through a shared GCS, two Skylark 3 vehicles can be assigned to the same mission simultaneously, meaning a consistent target acquisition is maintained from two aspects. This also offers ground forces the ability to significantly extend the flight endurance of their mission by UAS hot-swap.