AI Factory – by Lockheed Martin

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Dec 22, 2023

AI Factory from Lockheed Martin. AI-created Image by Midjourney and Defense-Update

Lockheed Martin’s AI Factory is an initiative to accelerate the development and integration of AI across the company’s aerospace and defense products. The core function of the AI Factory is to centralize AI development, providing a shared space where AI experts and engineers collaborate to build AI solutions tailored for specific defense applications. The AI Factory leverages advanced algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks to enhance systems capabilities, making them more efficient, effective, and adaptable to rapidly changing combat and exploration scenarios.

What sets the AI Factory apart is its comprehensive approach that spans from algorithm development to deployment and monitoring. Unlike traditional AI development environments, the AI Factory focuses on rapid prototyping and iterative testing, ensuring that AI solutions are innovative, practical, and immediately applicable to defense scenarios. This approach allows for quick adaptation to the changing needs of military operations, offering a blend of agility and reliability.

Palantir’s AIP (Advanced Intelligence Platform)

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Tamir Eshel

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Dec 22, 2023

Depiction of enterprise AI system for defense, created by Midjourney, for Defense-Update

Palantir’s Advanced Intelligence Platform (AIP) streamlines the creation and deployment of AI-driven solutions within defense and intelligence operations. The platform enables seamless integration of heterogeneous data, from real-time streams to geospatial inputs, within a secure and comprehensible framework. Its sophisticated logic processing supports various computational needs, from deterministic calculations to complex machine learning models, all aligned to drive critical decision-making processes.

AIP’s approach to application development is geared toward speed and agility, allowing users to develop, test, and deploy AI functionalities without extensive coding. The platform’s security features are deeply ingrained, offering granular AI Guardrails that govern every aspect of the system, ensuring robust security and auditing. The platform allows for the examination and refinement of AI-driven activities before their execution but also enables the definition of boundaries within which AI can operate autonomously. This structured yet flexible environment ensures that AI tools and automation are high-performing and closely monitored.

With AIP, Palantir provides an ecosystem where continuous feedback enhances AI operations, ensuring that the intelligence platform evolves and adapts to the ever-changing landscape of defense needs. This ensures that users, from operational analysts to technical developers, can leverage AI to its full potential, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of their missions.

Anduril’s Lattice AI

By

Tamir Eshel

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Dec 22, 2023

Depiction of Lattice AI system utilized for manned-unmanned teaming and mobile autonomy, illustrationby created by Midjourney AI for Defense-Update

Anduril’s Lattice AI represents a fresh approach to autonomous systems and surveillance in the defense sector. Lattice AI is an advanced software platform that powers Anduril’s suite of defense solutions, enabling them to function as an integrated ecosystem. This platform is designed to process vast amounts of sensor data in real-time, providing a comprehensive situational awareness crucial for modern military operations.

Lattice AI uses data from various sources, including drones, ground sensors, and satellite feeds, to create a real-time, 3D battlefield map. This enables defense forces to detect, classify, and track threats with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The platform’s AI algorithms can make autonomous decisions, directing dependent systems to investigate areas of interest or respond to threats without human intervention.

A key aspect of Lattice AI is its scalability and adaptability. It can be deployed across various environments, from border security operations to conflict zones, and is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing military systems and workflows.

C3’s AI-Readiness

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Tamir Eshel

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Dec 22, 2023

C3.ai’s AI-Readiness is a comprehensive platform transforming support and maintenance in aerospace and defense operations and logistics. This platform leverages AI and machine learning to collect and interpret operational and maintenance data, predict potential equipment failures before they happen, and recommend optimal maintenance schedules to enhance the reliability and availability of critical military assets significantly.

AI-Readiness analyzes historical maintenance data, sensor inputs, and operational parameters to identify patterns that precede equipment failures. Doing so allows defense organizations to shift from reactive maintenance strategies to a proactive approach, optimizing repair schedules and reducing downtime. The platform’s capability to aggregate and analyze data from multiple sources and its focus on actionable insights sets it apart. This enables defense organizations to move beyond reactive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of critical assets.

Helsing’s AI Backbone for FCAS

By

Tamir Eshel

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Dec 22, 2023

An image depicting the AI Backbone developed for the Future Air Combat System of systems. An AI-generated image by Midjourney for Defense-Update

Helsing is part of the HIS consortium developing the AI backbone for the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Helsing operates alongside Schonhofer Sales and Engineering GmbH and IBM Germany. The FCAS initiative aims to integrate a new generation of manned fighters with a network of unmanned systems and highly connected aircraft. Helsing’s role is pivotal in providing the AI development infrastructure that will reduce pilot workload and enhance the operational capability of remote carriers and munitions. SS&E has expertise in real-time situational awareness, analytics, AI, and management of complex data and data formats, while IBM will provide secure cloud technologies for the program.

The AI backbone is not just a singular system but a foundational technology supporting the air force’s cross-functional capabilities with AI. The AI backbone will integrate distributed ‘edge AI’ capabilities embedded in each FCAS member, where data is collected, shared across the secure cloud, and orchestrated by AI algorithms to distribute a common operating picture and actionable decisions and commands to all players across the network. This proximity to data sources enables rapid, real-time analytics and decision-making, crucial for modern warfare where speed is a tactical advantage.

The AI backbone will also contribute to the Next Generation Weapons System National Research and Technology project, the 6^th Generation air platform, part of the broader FCAS program. This project aims to develop technologies to give the German Air Force and its European partners an edge in AI capabilities.

DARPA’s SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies (SPRINT) Program

By

Tamir Eshel

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Nov 28, 2023

Bell-SPRINT-1021 — Bell intends to employ its High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) technology to deliver the speed and VTOL requirements set for DARPA's SPRINT X-Plane demonstration. Image: Bell Textron

In November 2023, DARPA selected four companies to provide conceptual designs for the SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies (SPRINT), an X-Plane demonstration project aimed to explore new concepts for high-speed vertical lift. The companies selected include Aurora Flight Sciences, Bell Textron, Northrop Grumman Aeronautic Systems, and Piasecki Aircraft Corporation. The SPRINT program aims to design, build, and fly an X-Plane to demonstrate technologies and integrated concepts necessary for a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence. This initial award funds work to reach a conceptual design review (Phase 1A) and includes an executable option to continue to work through a preliminary design review. Two of the competitors have already unveiled preliminary designs and technology overviews for the program.

AuroraFlight Sciences

Under this award, Aurora is designing a high lift, low drag fan-in-wing (FIW) demonstrator aircraft that integrates a blended wing body platform, with embedded engines and moderate sweep, with a vertical flight design comprised of embedded lift fans linked to the engines via mechanical drives. The aircraft would deliver game-changing air mobility capability by combining cruise at over 450 KTAS with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) in a single platform. The combined Aurora and Boeing teams bring deep experience in agile vehicle prototyping, vertical lift and cruise transition technology, and blended wing body aero performance. The program will build on past flight programs like the Boeing X-48 blended wing body aircraft and the Aurora Excalibur UAS that combined jet-borne vertical lift with three electric, louvered lift fans that would retract into the wing in forward flight.

Aurora is designing a high lift, low drag fan-in-wing (FIW) demonstrator aircraft that integrates a blended wing body platform, embedded engines, and moderate sweep, and a vertical flight design comprised of embedded lift fans linked to the engines via mechanical drives. The aircraft would deliver game-changing air mobility capability by combining cruise at over 450 KTAS with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) in a single platform. Image: Aurora Flight Sciences

Bell Textron

Bell plans to leverage its extensive investment in High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) technology to demonstrate advanced performance capabilities. Bell is currently conducting risk reduction testing at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to demonstrate its folding rotor, integrated propulsion, and flight control technologies using a dedicated test article. Bell’s HSVTOL technology blends the hover capability of a helicopter with speed (400+ kits), range, and survivability of jet aircraft.

Design work will occur at Aurora and Boeing facilities across multiple states, including Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. The program targets the X-Plane demonstrator’s first flight within 42 months.

PIORUN-NG – A New, Advanced VSHORAD from Poland

By

Dan Zeevi

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Sep 29, 2023

Piorun-ng1 — Piorun and Piorun NG on display at MSPO 2023. Photo: Defense-Update

The Polish Mesko group and its partner, Telesystem-Mesko, are developing a new Piorun Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) missile generation. The PIORUN NG (Thunderbolt) was displayed for the first time at the MSPO exhibition in Kielce, Poland, in early September. PIORUN-NG is scheduled to begin flight testing in late 2023. The new missile is positioned to become one of the leading new-generation VSHORAD missiles of a Western origin.

PIORUN VSHORAD missile. PIORUN-MG will have a similar design but different components, including a new proximity fuze, propulsion, and seeker. Photo: Defense-Update

PIORUN is a shoulder-fired VSHORAD weapon that can also deploy on a pedestal (two launchers) or integrated with a twin-barrel 23mm gun carried on a light truck. Developed as a follow-on to the GROM (based on the Russian Strela 2 missile), the PIORUN is positioned as an equivalent to the Russian IGLA. The Polish missile is effective against fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aerial vehicle targets, flying from 400 meters to 6.5 kilometers and at an altitude from 10 meters above ground to 4,000 meters. The missiles were widely used by the Ukrainians in the Ukraine War and, according to initial reports, have demonstrated impressive performance. Compared to other heat-seeking missiles, the Piorun was more reliable in engaging targets at higher altitudes; some reports have claimed successful engagements of low signature targets, such as unmanned aerial vehicles at a distance of six kilometers.

The development of the New Generation (PIORUN NG) was based on the lessons learned with previous models. It uses a new multispectral seeker with improved cooling. The rocket engine uses an improved energetics composition; the improved warhead optimizes efficiency in the presence of enemy countermeasures by employing advanced electronic-counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and proximity activation based on active or passive sensing. The different preset modes will be activated from a built-in computer integrated into the launcher.

The multi-spectral seeker uses a special housing that masks signals from the sides, enabling the seeker to ‘focus’ on signals from the forward direction. The seeker is sensitive enough to assess whether the target is flying towards (head-on) or away from the interceptor missile. Activation of active (RF) or passive (magnetic) proximity activates the warhead in the target’s proximity, thus denying the effectiveness of enemy ECM. In addition, PIORUN-NG will employ an algorithm that analyzes the behavior of flares, enabling the seeker to ignore hot and bright signals from sources that ‘behave’ like flares.

Equipped with a new multispectral seeker, improved propulsion, multiple fusing, enhanced ECCM, and enhanced target library, PIORUN-NG will provide enhanced situational awareness and target discrimination capabilities.

The most distinctive part of PIORUN-NG is the box-shaped apparatus applied on the muzzle, masking the seeker from interference from sectors other than the target’s direction. Photo: Defense-Update

PIORUN NG trigger, stock, and cooling cartridge. Photo: Defense-Update

PIORUN-NG computer interface shows nine preset buttons, enabling the user to define the target attitude, warhead activation selection, IFF, etc. Photo: Defense-Update

SSW40, an Automatic Grenade Launcher Debut at DSEI 2023

By

Tamir Eshel

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Sep 12, 2023

The new SSW40 grenade launcher from Rheinmetall. Photo: Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall is introducing at DSEI 2023 a new Squad Support Weapon (SSW) designed to fire 40mm grenade ammunition As fire support weapon for infantry squads. SSW is an automatic, magazine-loaded, shoulder fired grenade launcher, with a size and weight similar to an assault rifle.

The weapon use a recoil-reduction mechanism and self-regulating recoil system, enabling the SSW40 fire all available 40mm Low Velocity (LV) ammunition types as well as the Rheinmetall 40mm Medium Velocity (MV) ammunition. The new MV ammunition has significantly increased velocity and a flat trajectory, compared to the LV rounds, allowing targets to be engaged more quickly and increasing the effective range of the system to 900m. Until now, these grenades could be fire only by bigger and heaver automatic grenade launchers.

Development of the SSW40 will be completed in this year, the company said in a statement. The weapon will be able to use the HE Fragmentation (HEFRAG), Anti-Tank (HEDP) , Door Breaching (HEBE), Air Burst (HEAB), Training (TPM, TPM-T), Illumination / Fog, Flash&Bang and ‘tear gas’ Riot Control Ammunition (CS). Different grenade types can be loaded to magazines holding five grenades each, enabling grenadiers to quickly change ammo, use versatile firepower, and employ escalation of force when necessary, even against medium-weight armored vehicles. The interfaces on the SSW40 also allow the use of accessories, including laser light modules, fire control units, IR programmers for airburst ammunition, as well as integration on ring mounts and bipods.

The weapon will be able to use the HE Fragmentation (HEFRAG), Anti-Tank (HEDP) , Door Breaching (HEBE), Air Burst (HEAB), Training (TPM, TPM-T), Illumination / Fog, Flash&Bang and ‘tear gas’ Riot Control Ammunition (CS). Photo: Defense-Update

The new SSW40 grenade launcher from Rheinmetall. Photo:Defense-Update

IAI’s ACDC Concept Ads Self Protection, Special Operations Capabilities to Naval Vessels

By

Tamir Eshel

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Sep 12, 2023

image_picker_FABEAD39-8A20-4798-9DA8-04AF4C47B908-1889-000001876F481F1579FC2F7D-60F5-40B9-8F44-AE47D5B16B65_compressed — A model of IAI’s ACDC containerized weapon system on display at DSEI2023. Photo: Defense-Update

IAI is introducing the modular All Capabilities Defense Container (ACDC) concept at DSEI 2023, packing a system of defensive and attack systems utilizing an ISO container system, enabling any vessel equipped to carry commercial shipping containers to operate the employ advanced capabilities for self-protection.

The system includes various means for self-defense, integrated and concealed within the shipping container. When the situation mandates activation of the ACDC, the covering panels unfold to expose the system’s elements, such as sensors mounted on telescopic masts and launchers of loitering weapons providing surveillance and strike targets that may compromise the safety of the platform carrying the ACDC. The system is designed as an all-in-one containerized weapon solution that detects, repels, defends, and defeats a wide range of attacks using soft and hard kill measures.

Typical ACDC Elements include MiniPOP EO/IR and Radar sensors and SIGINT systems forming the Drone Guard – Counter UAS Capability. Other effectors used in self-defense or attack include four or eight Mini Harpy – All-weather loitering weapons with triple seekers packed in sealed launchers, and Rotem L – a quadcopter-based loitering weapon designed for vertical take-off and landing, perch, and ambush. These LMs are packed ready for launch in drawers that automatically open before launch.

This 20-foot ACDC packs four Mini Harpy and Eight Rotem L loitering weapons, communications, and sensor systems, with an operator post, all placed inside a standard shipping container.

Packed into a standard 40 or 20-foot cargo container, the ACDC operates autonomously and is controlled by a single operator sitting at a bridge, combat information center, or inside the container itself. Each ACDC is tailored to the requirements of the mission at hand and configured with various sensors, anti-drone effectors, loitering munitions, and precision-guided weapons.

The ACDC is mounted on the vessel or critical asset using standard twist-lock attachments. It fits any vessel in most available spaces, adding significant combat capabilities without distinctive visual impact. Integrated into new or existing vessels like Frigates, amphibious landing ships, offshore patrol vessels, naval replenishment, and support vessels, or offshore rigs, ACDC brings an inherent combat advantage for short responses without the need for lengthy and expensive refits and is designed for customer operational requirements.

IAI unveils ROTEM Alpha, an Anti Tank Loitering Weapon

By

Tamir Eshel

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Sep 12, 2023

image_picker_9E09F7B3-365A-40DE-A5C4-D6C0295FF029-1889-00000177315C0ABA258B0FDF-83B8-4E89-9904-C74122D1B0E0_compressed — IAI’s Rotem Alpha unveiled at DSEI 2023. Photo: Defense-Update

IAI is unveiling at DSEI 2023 a new loitering weapon – Rotem Alpha, a new Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) tactical antitank loitering munition (LM) with capabilities that represent a change in the operational and combat approach to using loitering munitions, providing an advantage in the battlefield. ROTEM a
Alpha is a member of IAI’s VTOL LMs which also includes the smaller ROTEM L.

ROTEM Alpha can operate at a range of several tens of kilometers, it can fly continuously for 60 minutes or perch on vantage points for up to 24 hours. The system flies and hovers in a low-altitude profile to build battlefield situational awareness, and executes an attack, at selected targets upon operator command even under adverse weather conditions. If no target is chosen or operator decides to abort, the system is disarmed and recoverable.

The system weighs 25 kg and is carried by a soldier in a backpack. It is assembled in the field in minutes. When fully assembled ROTEM Alpha is ready for take-off in less than two minutes. As a VTOL platform, it can be launched and land between trees, structures, and other confined spaces.

A single operator controls the ROTEM Alpha via a Ground Control System (GCS). The operator can command the weapon to perch on a building or hill until the enemy appears.

Equipped with a sensor suite comprising an EO/IR and acoustic sensors, ROTEM Alpha can autonomously detect and locate enemy targets such as hostile fire sources, artillery, rockets, and missiles launchers. It can investigate and verify the target and engage it following the operator command, closing in to an impact using its sensors as seekers. The loitering weapon uses a large warhead comprising a shaped charge and shrapnel sleeve able to penetrate more than 600mm of ballistic steel

THeMIS Observe – Milrem’s Robotic Scout Unveiled at DSEI 2023

By

Tamir Eshel

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Sep 12, 2023

MILREM is displaying a new configuration of the ‘THeMIS Observe’, an ISR system that significantly increases a tactical unit’s reaction speed on targets while maintaining a stand-off distance from the enemy.

THeMIS Observe integrates several ISR systems including aconsists of a Squire radar by Thales, the HeviTrack-S camera by HEVI Optronics, Metravib Defence Pearl acoustic shot detection, and a remote weapon station. As a recent addition, the vehicle also features the Sequrests Mobile Multi Camouflage Cover providing significant signature reduction in visual NIR, thermal IR and radar.

The ISR sensors are mounted on an elevated mast that erects when the vehicle enters an observation position, enabling the vehicle to maintain a low silhouette while maintaining line of sight with the enemy positions.

Wireless Surface Charger to Power Drone Swarms

By

Tamir Eshel

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Sep 12, 2023

Rheinmetall Canada and Quaze are launching an innovative wireless charging solution for drones at DSEI 2023. The Drone Swarm Tactical OverWatch (DSTOW) module developed for Rheinmetall’s Mission Master UGV offers a unique solution enabling continuous, unattended and uninterrupted drone operations.

Although recent drone technologies have made strides in ISR operations, these aerial vehicles remain limited in range and endurance and need frequent replacement of batteries or lengthy recharging, requiring extensive human intervention. Current technologies can only charge one drone at a time. To address these issues, Rheinmetall and Quaze have developed the DSTOW module, a wireless surface charging solution that can power multiple drones at once. Using inductive charging, the technology does not require precise alignment; nor does drone size matter.

DSTOW was developed for the Rheinmetall Mission Master family of unmanned ground vehicles, and is compatible with all Mission Master configurations, it can also be fitted to the Polaris MRZR D4. It eliminates the need for cumbersome power cords, delivering uninterrupted power regardless of equipment or climate. Even when covered with water, sand, dust, snow, or ice, the charging surface technology works because of its volumetric power, enabling drones to be recharged up to 4 inches above the charging surface.

By automating the drone rotation and relay process, the DSTOW maintains fully charged drones that can remain in the sky, providing continuous surveillance – a critical advantage on modern battlefields where real-time persistent information is essential for superior situational awareness. The DSTOW system also includes an automated landing and take-off feature, similar to valet parking, allowing for uninterrupted operations. The system’s user interface is designed to control multiple drones in an automatic operation, making it possible to operate several drones simultaneously with a single device. Rheinmetall’s dedicated tablet and integrated soldier systems are both compatible with the DSTOW system, allowing for easy control of Mission Master vehicles, drones and their integrated payloads.

The DSTOW recharges all drones on the Blue UAS-Cleared List, enabling fully unmanned drone operations. It can charge as many drones as the surface’s power allows. For instance, if the surface capability is 500w, the DSTOW can power one drone or 500 1w micro drones. Furthermore, since the technology can deliver a high voltage charge, the system can support larger drone using high voltage systems.

Elbit Systems Introduce Find-and-Strike (FAST) Capsule at DSEI 2023

By

Tamir Eshel

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Sep 12, 2023

Elbit Systems has unveiled its latest development in the world of unmanned aerial systems: The Find-and-Strike (FAST) Capsule, combining the Skylark III and SkyStriker Loitering Munition (LM). FAST enables forces pursue independent missions collecting actionable tactical intelligence and offensive missions, synergizing each platform advantages to a single application, at the same time and place, saving the user on logistics, time and more importantly improving the crew expertise.

The Skylark III is a Small-Tactical Intelligence UAS, equipped with advanced intelligence gathering sensor. As a fixed wing platform, it is designed for extensive endurance of up to 18 hours, supporting ISTAR missions in GPS denied enviroment. The Skylark III is capable of integrating a range of payloads including high-resolution Electro-Optical gimbaled payload, SIGINT sensors, laser designators and more.

The SkyStriker is a fully autonomous loitering munition that can locate, acquire and engage operator designated targets with a flexible warhead of up to 10 Kg, enabling high-precision performance. SkyStriker can be launched from a variety of ground and aerial platforms, including from a dedicated canister mounted on Elbit Systems’ Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) rocket artillery systems. Equipped with an electrical engine, the SkyStriker enables covert operations of up to 2 hours and with a range of 100km. With unique algorithms, the system can precisely strike targets while maintaining a “man in the loop” even in GPS and communication denied environments.

Despite the differences of the two platforms, thanks to the “FAST Capsule” they can both be stored, carried, launched, operated and controlled by the same equipment and by the same crew. The FAST Capsule is deployed and operated by a crew of two, launched via a pneumatic launcher and mounted on a vehicle or vessel. Both can be assigned to the same mission simultaneously managed by a shared Ground Control Station.

IDF to Replace Skylark Mini UAS with new Skylark1 eVTOL Drones

By

Tamir Eshel

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Sep 11, 2023

406b2504-7923-43e4-9c40-6cf44cc9a1ad — Skylark 1 eVTOL mini UAS. Photo: Elbit Systems

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.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

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