Defence

The Israeli defence force plans to evaluate five contenders for a platoon-level unmanned air vehicle requirement next month, and will select an “over-the-hill” intelligence system by the end of 2006.

The Aeronautics Defense Systems Orbiter, Elbit Systems Skylark, Israel Aircraft Industries I-View 50, Israel Military Industries Rainbow and Rafael Skylite B will each undergo around 100h of testing by Israeli land forces. The designs each have an endurance of 1.5-2h and are powered by electric motors.

Israel has yet to specify the number of systems needed to meet its operational requirements, but one source says the deal will be worth tens of millions of dollars.