Elbit unveils Skylark 3 UAV

Elbit Systems has unveiled its new Skylark 3 mini unmanned air system, and also revealed it has gained selection by an undisclosed customer.

Intended to support brigade- and division-level units, the Skylark 3 has an operating range of more than 54nm (100km) and a flight endurance of up to 6h, says the Israeli manufacturer. Deployed from a pneumatic launcher on the ground or mounted on a vehicle, the aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 45kg (99lb), including a 10kg payload, it adds.

Elbit Systems

Powered by an electric motor, the air vehicle has a 4.8m (15.7ft) wingspan, and can be operated up to a service ceiling of 15,000ft.

Elbit says the newest member of its Skylark family is being offered with improved payloads, which will give operators enhanced target detection, classification and surveillance capabilities. Two of the new variant can be operated simultaneously using a shared ground control station, it adds.

Elbit Systems

Speaking on 10 February, Elad Aharonson, general manager of Elbit's ISTAR division, described the Skylark 3 as "an ideal solution" for performing complex missions.