Aeronautics ltd., one of Israel’s leading unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) providers is unveiling its newest platform – Orbiter 3 Small UAS at the Paris Airshow. The UAS is already operational, with first system formally delivered three weeks ago to an undisclosed customer. “The Orbiter 3 STUAS brings to the unmanned systems market capabilities that did not exist previously” said Ran Carmeli, Head of the Aerial Division at Aeronautics. “A field deployed, 25 kg electric powered UAS, can now deliver the same Intelligence, Surveillance Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) output achieved up to now only by much larger tactical UAS of a 100 kg and more.”
The Orbiter 3 SUAS is the largest variant of the Orbiterfamily of electric powered UAS. Its smaller variants, Orbiter 1 and 2 are deployed operationally worldwide by more than a dozen customers. The Orbiter 3, a member of Aeronautics’ Orbiter Mini-UAV family can stay in the air 7 hours, and reach ranges of more than a 100 km. It carries a wide range of payloads, including the latest multi-sensor stabilized payload TD-STAMP developed by Controp Precision Technologies. TD-STAMP comprises CCD camera, a high performance, cooled thermal imager (FLIR) and a laser designator, all packed into a compact, gyro stabilized mini payload.
“I believe the Orbiter 3 STUAS will have great market success, moreover, it will dictate real changes in the UAS market.” said Aeronautics CEO Avi Leumi. “We receive constant demands for enhanced ISTAR capabilities, maintaining operational flexibility and small logistics – and that’s what the Orbiter 3 is all about.” Practically undetectable, Orbiters are used for a wide range of missions in land warfare including: ISTAR, artillery support, convoy protection and special ops. In the maritime arena, Orbiter serves as an independent ISTAR asset for naval vessels – launched and recovered from the ship’s deck.
