Skylark 1
 
 
 
 

 



 
 

This mini man-pack UAV system is well suited for very close range, over-the-hill missions. The system is especially designed for counter-terror applications.

Performance-proven in cloudy, rainy and windy weather conditions, Skylark I has demonstrated excellent optical survey, target identification and surveillance capabilities. It features a gyroscopic-stabilized gimbaled payload and a high degree of autonomous flight from take-off to precise recovery, yielding real-time intelligence at an affordable price.

This configuration, equipped with algorithms derived from larger Hermes UAVs, can track fixed and moving targets, an impressive capability for a hand launched UAV. Skylark I can be used for both defense and homeland security applications including perimeter security, border and coastal surveillance, anti-terrorism surveillance and a variety of law enforcement missions. 

Skylark I has already accumulated more than 3000 successful operational sorties and is currently operationally active in several theatres of the global war on terror. Skylark I set a new world record in high altitude flights, climbing to an altitude exceeding 16,000 feet and has demonstrated outstanding performance in weather conditions ranging from arctic to equatorial weather. Skylark I is equipped with Elbit Systems' new-generation night payload. Weighing only 700 grams, the thermal payload is the lightest in its class. The payload’s capabilities include very wide area coverage, continuous tracking of moving targets and a higher resolution rate than any of its predecessors.

Skylark I has already been selected by numerous customers. It is operational with the Israeli Defense Force’s and in several other armed forces.

 
 
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
 


 
November 5, 2005

Elbit Systems Ltd. reported that its 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 .The Skylark has gimbaled and stabilized payloads for day and night observation. It enables continuous data collection “over the next hill” up to distances of 10 km. .The miniaturized Ground Control Station features enhanced capabilities which draw from the Hermes family heritage.

Last year Elbit Systems was selected by the Israeli Ministry of Defense to supply Skylark mini-UAV systems for the IDF Ground Forces Command. The Skylark systems are delivered to the IDF and are currently in operation . Elbit has already sold the Skylark system to several countries worldwide.

Elbit's ability to offer a short delivery time will enable the Australian forces to rapidly deploy the Skylark UAV systems.



3 August, 2008

Elbit Systems Ltd.anounced that it was awarded yet another contract to supply the Australian Army with more Skylark I UAV systems for an estimated value of several million dollars. This is the Australian Department of Defence's third Skylark order, following the initial order for the Australian Army in 2005.
Haim Kellerman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems UAS Division said, "Australia's decision to equip its Army with an additional set of Skylark I UAV systems underscores recognition of the UAV systems' capabilities and added value to soldiers in active war zones."

The Skylark I, advanced mini -UAV system, is a unique man-pack configuration designed for day and night observation and data collection “beyond the hill” up todistances of 10-15 km. The mini -UAV system is equipped with an exceptionally quiet electric motor, totally autonomous flight and outstanding observation capabilities allowing for easy operation and orientation. The system can be launched by soldiers after a brief training period. The Skylark I system enhances ground forces’ tactical
performance in various mission scenarios.
 
 
Elbit Systems to supply Skylark I UAV to France's Special Forces
 
March 24, 2008

Elbit Systems Ltd. will supply Skylark I UAV systems to France's Special Forces, as it won a tender involving 10 of the leading UAV manufacturers worldwide. This contract marks Elbit Systems' first UAV contract with France.

Haim Kellerman, General Manager of Elbit Systems UAV Division and Corporate Vice President said that there is a worldwide growing demand for UAVs for Special Forces, counter terrorism units and other forced focused on the security of borders and sensitive facilities. France's selection of the Skylark attests to its ability to meet the sophisticated challenges of the modern battle field. Elbit Systems considers this agreement with France's Special Forces as a milestone in entering the French market and believes that it will be followed by further agreements with European NATO member countries."

The selection of the Skylark mini -UAV system attests to Elbit Systems' leadership in the UAV global market, where the Company's UAV family performs a central role in the global war of terror and is being used by militaries and homeland security forces worldwide.

The Skylark , advanced mini-UAV, is a unique man-pack configuration designed for day and night observation and data collection “beyond the hill” up to distances of 10 km. The mini-UAV system is equipped with an exceptionally quiet electric motor, totally autonomous flight and outstanding observation capabilities allowing for easy operation and orientation. The system can be launched by soldiers after a brief training period.
The Skylark system enhances ground forces’ tactical performance in various mission scenarios.

During the recent war in Lebanon the Skylark mini-UAVs were used by IDF to fly many combat sorties proving their efficiency by supplying valuable intelligence data to the ground forces. Moreover, the systems are currently deployed by several countries as part of the coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.
 
 
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