UAV For Special Forces
This post is also available in: 
עברית (Hebrew)
By ARIE EGOZI
This is without any doubt one very special niche in the world of UAVs. I refer to small vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems.
Even if you are not an expert it is easy to understand that this is an optimal solution for special forces. It answers all the requirements and can, without any doubt, be a crucial factor to mission success.
In recent months experts from special forces have visited Israel and evaluated the potential operational capabilities of a unique unmanned air system (UAS) that is being offered by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) .
The men in civilian clothes came to the IAI main facility, where they have witnessed some of the capabilities of a locally bred Panther.
In recent months , IAI has demonstrated its Panther tilt rotor UAS to a number of special forces and the company expects a contract with a first customer soon.
A company source confirmed that the Panther has been demonstrated to special forces who need a UAV that can take off and land vertically and fly very quietly.
The flights in the presence of the potential customers have been performed while the endurance of the Panther is being extended.
A new power pack comprised of two separate Lithium -ion (Li On) batteries will allow the Israel aerospace industries (IAI) Panther tilt rotor unmanned air system (UAS), to stay in the air with a payload, for over 6 hours.
The source confirmed that as of today the VTOL UAS is on its way to a 4 hours endurance.
While one battery is used for the vertical takeoff and landing the other is used for the cruising. The Panther uses an innovative automatic flight control system that controls the transitions between the hovering takeoff phase to forward flight and vice versa before landing. The source explained that this system also controls the transition from one battery to the other.
The Panther takes off and lands automatically by a simple click of the operator console, thus eliminating the need for an external pilot.
The Panther is powered by 3 ultra-quiet electric motors, has a takeoff weight of 65 kg and can be equipped with different payloads.
