Merlin is a lightweight electrically powered unmanned bi-plane miniature UAV, developed to support light ground forces with surveillance capability. The 1 meter long vehicle uses 1.6 meter span bi-plane wing. Its Gross takeoff Weight is 6 kg, and two-axis stabilized payload weight is 0.8kg. The operator can assemble and prepare the Merlin for a mission in five minutes. The MAV is launched by hand or sling, to a mission of over one hour, at cruising speed of 55 – 75 km/h. At the completion of the mission Merlin automatically returns to a pre-designated landing point sized 30×30 meters, where it is retrieved by a parachute. Merlin is capable of operating with three types of payloads – daylight TV with an x10 zoom, day/night payload operating an uncooled IR camera, derived from the Felin PROGRAM, and a ECCMOS-IL day/night camera which was also selected for FELIN. The datalink used by Merlin operates at a range of 7 km, at a frequency of 5 GHz.
DefenseTech Weekly Brief
Tamir Eshel - 0
This week in the defense technology sector is marked by significant international partnerships, advancements in unmanned systems, and substantial investments in next-generation capabilities. From major naval contracts in the Middle East to the expansion...
DefenseTech Weekly Brief
Tamir Eshel - 0
This week in the defense technology sector is marked by significant international partnerships, advancements in unmanned systems, and substantial investments in next-generation capabilities. From major naval contracts in the Middle East to the expansion...
Rafael Unveils New Laser Beam Director for Iron Beam HELWS
Tamir Eshel - 0
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveils its new IRON BEAM 450 HELWS with an upgraded laser beam director at the Paris Air Show. The system features a 450mm aperture with Coherent Beam Combining technology, enabling precision targeting of coin-sized objects beyond 10km while maintaining speed-of-light threat neutralization capabilities.
DefenseTech Weekly Brief
Tamir Eshel - 0
The first week of June 2025 marked significant defense technology milestones, including Ukraine's 4,300km drone strikes, Israel's operational laser weapon deployments, and major AI partnerships. Capital markets showed strong confidence with over $6 billion in investments and acquisitions, while localized manufacturing accelerated across European and Middle Eastern markets.
Barrett Develops a New Precision Grenade Rifle System (PGS)
Tamir Eshel - 0
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing has been selected as the winner of the U.S. Army's xTech Soldier Lethality competition, securing a contract to develop an advanced 30mm precision grenade rifle system. The new system features programmable...
Hermeus Quarterhorse Mk 1 hypersonic demonstrator Achieves First Flight at Edwards AFB
Tamir Eshel - 0
Hermeus Corporation achieved the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 hypersonic demonstrator on May 27, 2025. Quarterhorse Mk 1 went from a clean sheet to flight-ready in a little over a year. The...
India Embarks on Ambitious 5th GEN Fighter
Tamir Eshel - 0
India formally approved its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, officially joining the fifth-generation stealth fighter market with a stealth, twin-engine advanced fighter jet.
The new development, approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will follow...