UAVs

Elbit has unveiled a scaled-up, brigade-level short-range version of its Skylark close-range unmanned air vehicle. The new all-electric UAV, designated Skylark II, is twice the size of its hand-launched progenitor, but retains the same basic modular configuration of lightweight airframe with underslung sensor and battery pod.

Elbit officials at last week’s Eurosatory exhibition in Paris said the new UAV is optimised for low-altitude, low-observable surveillance operations beneath cloud canopies.

Development began three years ago, with first flight occurring in mid-2005. The UAV has a 4.2m (13.7ft)-span and weighs 35kg (77lb).

The ground control station is the same as Skylark I, allowing for combined operations of both UAV types.