The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have awarded Elbit Systems a contract to upgrade their fleet of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The new systems, which will be based on the Skylark 1 eVTOL platform, will provide the IDF with a more versatile and capable UAS capability.
The Skylark 1 eVTOL is a small, lightweight UAS that is capable of vertical takeoff and landing. This makes it ideal for use in urban and complex environments, where traditional fixed-wing UAS may be less maneuverable.
The Skylark 1 eVTOL is also equipped with a variety of sensors, including a day/night camera, a thermal camera, and a laser rangefinder. This allows it to perform a variety of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance.
The contract with Elbit Systems is worth an estimated $100 million. The first systems are expected to be delivered to the IDF in 2024.
Key Benefits
- Vertical takeoff and landing: Electric motors
replace launcher and parachute. Capable of takeoff and landing from marine facilities and ships. - Rapid deployment: Man-packed or
vehicle-based portable platform can be
deployed in up to 15 minutes. - Multi UAS missions: Supports concurrent LOS control of multiple UAS from the same control station (hot swap).
- Full interoperability with Skylark™ 3 and SkyStriker.
- Operation with minimal crew of Two operators.
- Operational in GNSS-denied environment.
- Advanced digital encrypted data link.
- Compatible with NATO standards:
STANAG 4609, 4660, 4586. - Integrates with existing C4I systems.
- High-quality imagery: High-resolution
gimbaled and stabilized EO/IR payloads. - Long-range operation: Data link
supports up to 40km LOS.
Key Features
- Extended endurance and range of fixed-wing Class I aircraft with automatic vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL).
- Suitable for small launch and recovery areas (less than 10X10m).
- Ideal for man-packed, vehicle or ship-based operations: supports a wide range of military and HLS applications including tactical or special forces.
- Dual payload capabilities.
- Covert capability: Real-time eye in the sky with very low acoustic and visual signatures
Benefits of the Skylark 1 eVTOL:
- More versatile and capable than traditional fixed-wing UAS
- Ideal for use in urban and complex environments
- Can be operated from a variety of platforms, including vehicles and backpacks
- Provides a more comprehensive and seamless ISTAR capability
The Skylark 1 eVTOL is a significant upgrade for the IDF’s UAS fleet. The new systems will provide the IDF with a more versatile and capable UAS capability, which will allow them to better monitor and respond to threats.
In addition to the Skylark 1 eVTOL, Elbit Systems is also developing a larger, more capable VTOL UAS called the Skylark 3 eVTOL.
The Skylark 3 eVTOL is designed to be used by the IDF’s Air Force and will have a range of up to 300 kilometers. The first Skylark 3 eVTOL systems are expected to be delivered to the IDF in 2025.
The development of the Skylark 1 eVTOL and the Skylark 3 eVTOL is a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned aerial systems. These new systems will provide the IDF with a more powerful and versatile UAS capability, which will be essential for maintaining Israel’s security in the years to come.
Skylark 3 eVTOL: A New Generation of Unmanned Aerial System
Elbit Systems has developed the Skylark 3 eVTOL, a new generation of unmanned aerial system (UAS) that is designed to be more versatile and capable than traditional fixed-wing UAS.
The Skylark 3 eVTOL is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft that can be operated from a variety of platforms, including vehicles and backpacks. It is also equipped with a variety of sensors, including a day/night camera, a thermal camera, and a laser rangefinder. This allows it to perform a variety of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance.
The Skylark 3 eVTOL has a number of advantages over traditional fixed-wing UAS. First, its VTOL capability makes it more versatile and easier to operate in urban and complex environments. Second, its smaller size and weight make it easier to transport and deploy. Third, its longer endurance and range allow it to cover a wider area.
The Skylark 3 eVTOL is a significant upgrade over the previous generation of Skylark UAS. It is more versatile, capable, and easier to operate. This makes it a valuable asset for military and civilian organizations that need a reliable and effective UAS.
Key features of the Skylark 3 eVTOL:
- Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability
- Endurance of up to 12 hours
- Range of up to 300 kilometers
- Payload capacity of up to 10 kilograms
- Variety of sensors, including a day/night camera, a thermal camera, and a laser rangefinder
Benefits of the Skylark 3 eVTOL:
- More versatile and capable than traditional fixed-wing UAS
- Ideal for use in urban and complex environments
- Can be operated from a variety of platforms, including vehicles and backpacks
- Provides a more comprehensive and seamless ISTAR capability
The Skylark 3 eVTOL is a valuable asset for a variety of organizations, including:
- Military forces: The Skylark 3 eVTOL can be used for a variety of military missions, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance. It can also be used for border patrol and disaster relief.
- Law enforcement agencies: The Skylark 3 eVTOL can be used for a variety of law enforcement missions, including search and rescue, crowd control, and drug interdiction.
- Civil organizations: The Skylark 3 eVTOL can be used for a variety of civil missions, including environmental monitoring, disaster relief, and search and rescue.
The Skylark 3 eVTOL is a significant new development in the field of unmanned aerial systems. It is a more versatile, capable, and easier to operate UAS that will be a valuable asset to a variety of organizations.
The future of the Skylark 3 eVTOL
The Skylark 3 eVTOL is still under development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way unmanned aerial systems are used. Its VTOL capability, endurance, and range make it ideal for a variety of missions, and its modular design makes it easy to customize for specific applications.
Elbit Systems is already planning to develop additional variants of the Skylark 3 eVTOL, including a maritime version and a long-range version. The company is also working on developing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for the Skylark 3 eVTOL, which would allow it to operate more autonomously.
The Skylark 3 eVTOL is a significant step forward in the development of unmanned aerial systems. It is a more versatile, capable, and easier to operate UAS that has the potential to revolutionize the way these systems are used.
