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Photo: Elbit
Photo: Elbit

Israeli unmanned air systems (UAS) manufacturers are continuing to upgrade their systems.

Elbit systems has upgraded its SkyLark-1LE UAS after the Israeli defence forces (IDF) changed its “operational requirements”. The upgraded version is already in use. The Skylark-1 LE has been used mainly by the IDF’ artillery units. The Skylark-1 LE is designed for data collection and target marking at mission ranges exceeding 60 kilometers.

The Skylark 1LE has been selected and deployed as the IDF’s battalion level UAS and also has been delivered to over 20 users worldwide. The system is man-portable and can be deployed by dismounted teams or in vehicle based mobilization / deployment configurations including on-the-move operation.

Unmanned Systems Event 2014 – Israel

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According to Elbit Systems the SkyLark 1 LE is a highly autonomous system, including a fly-by-camera mode enabling day or night detection and tracking of fixed or moving targets and intuitive mission execution with minimal training. The Skylark-1 LE HAS A 7.5 kgs Max takeoff weight . The payload includes a color CCD day camera, a 3 generation thermal imaging night camera and a laser illuminator.

Mission range of the Skylark-1LE is 50 km and its endurance is 3 hours. The max ceiling of the UAS is 15.000 feet.