Skylark 1

 

 



 
 

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.

The Skylark is a man-packed, hand-launched UAV for close range, over the hill surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Applications include perimeter security, border and coastal surveillance, anti-terrorism surveillance and law enforcement.

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.

Skylark has a wingspan of 2.4 meters and has a mission endurance of two hours. Its payload can include a color television camera and a forward-looking infrared sensor. The Skylark 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. 

Skylark 2 design is based on operational experience of Skylark 1. Skylark 2 extends the capabilities of Skylark 1, Skylark 2 is a close-range tactical UAV system providing advanced, high performance ISTAR capabilities.
 
 
Skylark UAV Enters IDF Service
 


 

February 4, 2004

Elbit Systems Ltd. announced that it has been selected by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) to supply Skylark mini-UAV systems for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), ground forces. The initial order is expected in the near future.

Skylark, an advanced mini-UAV, is a man-pack configuration designed for day and night observation and data collection “over the hill” up to distances of 10 km. The system is equipped with an exceptionally quiet electric motor, totally autonomous flight and outstanding observation capabilities. A single field soldier can launch the UAV after a brief training.

Elbit System's Skylark was the only mini-UAV system, among the participants in the fly-off program, to successfully pass a series of stringent tests which demonstrated its technical and operational capabilities, meeting the demands set by IMOD.

Elbit Systems, a world leader in UAVs, has equipped Skylark with unique operational features designed to meet the battlefield challenges of today and tomorrow. Skylark will enhance the ground force's tactical performance through total compatibility with the IDF’s mission scenarios and those of military forces worldwide.

 
 
Skylark UAVs Deployed in Iraq by Australian
 

Minister for Defence Robert Hill inspects a new Skylark mini-UAV
 


 
November 5, 2005

Skylark mini-UAV has been selected for rapid deployment by the Australian Army. Elbit Systems will deliver 6 systems to the Australian Ground Forces. The Skylark system includes 3 Air Vehicles, a Ground Control Station and the day and night payloads. The system is carried in two back packs and operated in mission by two soldiers. The 4.5 Kg Air vehicle is exceptionally quiet due to its unique electric propulsion and provides 1.5 hour of autonomous flight, with advanced modes .

Miniature Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will be deployed to Iraq to provide increased protection for Australian Defence Force soldiers and will be a new ally in operational missions in the southern Al Muthanna province.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said four Skylark miniature UAVs will be deployed to assist the second rotation of the Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG).  A further two UAVs will remain in Australia for training and preparation purposes. The miniature UAVs will be used on reconnaissance and surveillance missions, and provide real-time information about the terrain and activities in an area, this will increase our troop's understanding of the Al Muthanna area, and increase their ability to respond to identified threats.

Senator Hill said the Government was investing more and more on research and development of unmanned vehicle technology for use in future operations and for surveillance purposes. These new intelligent and largely autonomous systems will in the future be able to carry out hazardous tasks traditionally reserved for warfighters which will reduce exposure and risks to Australian Defence Force personnel.

The ADF has conducted extensive testing and evaluation of UAVs, including a successful operational trial of an Australian-designed UAV in the Solomon Islands in 2003.
 
 
11.01.2007, Skylark UAV Crashed in West Bank, During a Special Forces Reconnaissance Mission
 




 
 
 
 
 

Military & Paramilitary support missions:

  • Tactical very-close-range over the hill surveillance and reconnaissance
  • Perimeter security
  • Border & Coastal Surveillance
  • Anti-terrorism surveillance
  • Law enforcement

Main Features:

  • Hand launched
  • Deep stall automatic recovery
  • Fully autonomous flight
  • Real time continuous video & telemetry data transmission
  • Electric drive
  • GPS positioning
  • Extremely low noise signature
  • Day CCD color sensor
  • Night sensor option
  • Ruggedized high capability portable tactical computer for command & control
  • Man packed system
  • Easy & quick field operation

Performance:

  • Mission radius: 5-10km
  • Endurance: 2 hrs
  • Speed: 20-40kts

Technical data:

  • Wing span: 2.4m
  • Total length: 2.2m
  • Take-off weight: 5.5kg
  • Payloads: Color CCD camera, Flir camera, other
  • Command & control portable tactical computer