Elbit Systems and its subsidiary Silver Arrow have added two new platforms to their growing UAV family. The Mini -UAVs, dubbed “Skylark” and “Seagull” are a new class of compact, man-packed UAVs, for very close range, over the hill missions.

Designed as ideal solutions for smaller forces, the Mini-UAVs are especially effective for yielding real time intelligence at relatively low cost. They can be used for both military and paramilitary applications including perimeter security, border and coastal surveillance, anti-terrorism surveillance and law enforcement.

Several launch options are available - by hand, by air from various manned or unmanned platforms or ground launched by hand or rail. Both models feature fully autonomous flight, real time continuous video and telemetry data transmission and rugged portable tactical computers for command and control.

The new Mini-UAVs are part of a full family designed for diverse missions. These include the Hermes 450, an upper range tactical UAV, the Hermes 1500 for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE), and the Hermes 180, ideally suited for brigade-level Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.

With a wingspan of 2.14 meters, it is foldable and contains a canister-deployable tactical close range system.  weigh 5.5 kilograms and can reach a speed of 40 knots with a mission radius of between 5 and 10 kilometers. Controlled through full, downsized or man-portable tactical miniature ground-control stations. They are both compatible and employ a new Spectralink-developed data link.