Israel׳s Defense Forces will replace the Skylark 1 Miniature UAS with larger, more modern, VTOL capable platforms developed by Elbit Systems. The IDF operates the Skylark since 2008. The newest member of the family, the Skylark I eVTOL, weighs up to 20kg and is equipped with an electric motor for forward flight, and a VTOL kit for hover takeoff and landing. Designed to provide an organic airborne ISTAR capability for lower tactical echelons.
The company will supply the new drones to the Artillery Corps of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), under the with the Skylark 1 Transitional Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (STUAS) combined with through-life maintenance services for these new systems as well as other STUAS systems operated by the IDF Ground Force’s (Skylark 1 & Skylark 3.)
Weighing up to 20kg, the new Skylark 1 eVTOL is a man-packed or vehicle-based platform offering the endurance and range of a fixed-wing STUAS with the capability to hover, take-off and land vertically. Combined with onboard analytical capabilities, the Skylark 1 eVTOL significantly expands the operations of tactical forces and enables fast deployment in order to organically perform Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Under the contract, Elbit Systems will replace the Skylark 1 with the new system that will be integrated with the operational fleet used by the IDF Ground forces.
