UAVs

Aeronautics to supply advanced Orbiter UAV

By Arie Egozi

Israel's Aeronautics Defense Systems will supply an advanced version of its Orbiter unmanned air vehicle to support the artillery units of an undisclosed Commonwealth of Independent States country.

The new configuration introduces a larger communications antenna already used with Aeronautics' Aerostar tactical UAV, which will enable the Orbiter to relay images to a ground station from a range of up to 40km (22nm). This will enable artillery units to produce more effective fire against a greater number of targets, the company says.

Aeronautics' improved Orbiter keeps the baseline design's 2.2m (7.2ft) wing span and 1m body length, but offers an increased endurance of 2-3h and 18,000ft operating ceiling. Maximum take-off weight is 6kg (2.7lb), including a day or night sensor payload.

Previous customers for the Orbiter system include Ireland and Poland.