Aeronautics disclose plan to launch Orbiter 4 by the end of 2016
Aeronautics LTD, a leader in the development, manufacture, and marketing of state-of-the-art unmanned systems for land, sea and air, integrating surveillance equipment with network information, discloses it will soon launch a new Unmanned Aerial System platform – Orbiter 4. The development of the Orbiter 4 has recently reached its final steps, and the new platform is expected to be fully introduced and launched toward the end of 2016.
The Orbiter 4 is based on the successful aerodynamic structure and properties of the Orbiter 3 – Aeronautics’ Renowned small tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. Orbiter 4 exclusive abilities include maximum endurance of more than 24 hours, and a multi mission ability, based on the Orbiter 4 capability to carry and operate two different payloads simultaneously. Its other features include maximum takeoff weight of 50 KG, maximum flight attitude of 18,000 feet and 250 KM line of sight range.
According to Amos Mathan, Aeronautics’ CEO: “Aeronautics will continue to be at the forefront of technology, and together with our subsidiaries, the Aeronautics group will continue to provide cost-effective solutions for the most advanced Defense and HLS missions, all at a ‘one stop shop’. Our products are deployed by more than 50 different defense and security forces worldwide, and have already accumulated hundreds of thousands of operational flight hours.”
The Orbiter 3 Small Tactical UAS (STUAS) is a compact and lightweight system for military and homeland security missions, providing an operational range of up to 100 km and up to 7 hours of endurance. Carrying a triple sensor payload with day-and-night, thermal image and laser pointer, the system has significant tactical UAS capabilities in a mini-aerial platform body. Assembled in 20 minutes, the fully-autonomous, vehicle-mounted system enables static and on-the-move operation. Providing a tri-sensor and stabilized EO/IR payload, it uses a catapult take-off and a parachute and airbag recovery, and is electrically powered for silent covert operation. The Orbiter 3 STUAS is suited for land as well as maritime environments, and requiring a very small logistic footprint. The Orbiter 3 system was sold to and is currently operated by high-end customers all around the world.
The Orbiter 1K is a loitering unmanned system. Given a specific waypoint, the loitering Orbiter 1K can detect and destroy a moving or a stationary target. The system can also operate on the base of a given area range: the Orbiter 1K independently scans the area, detects and destroys the target – moving or stationary. In case the target wasn’t detected or in any change of plans, the system’s recovery capability allows it to return to its base camp and land safely using a parachute and an airbag. Launched from a catapult, the Orbiter 1K can fly for 2-3 hours, carrying a multi-sensor camera with day-and-night channels. The loitering system is compact and easily controlled from a personal GCS.
The Orbiter 2 UAS is a compact and lightweight system which offers extended endurance and range. The Orbiter 2 UAS carries a multi-sensor camera with day-and-night channels and a laser pointer, it is gyro-stabilized with tri-sensor and zoom payload and can fly for 4 hours and to a distance of up to 80 km. Easy to operate and quickly assembled, the system is launched from a catapult and lands using a parachute and an airbag. Delivering advanced image processing, accurate navigation, and net landing capability for maritime operations, The Orbiter 2 UAS is operational even in the harshest weather conditions, and is easily controlled from a personal GCS. The Orbiter 2 system was sold to and is currently operated by high-end customers all around the world.
The Aerostar advanced tactical UAS is considered very efficient and cost effective, operationally simple, and involves a very small logistic footprint. It has a proven capability for take-off and landing using very short runways and in high altitude environments. The Aerostar platform, which weighs 230 kilograms, is capable of reaching ceiling altitudes of 18,000 feet and operating at ranges of over 200 kilometres from its ground data terminal, which is connected via network to the ground control station. Aerostar can carry a wide range of intelligence payloads, including day and night electro-optical payloads, radars, electronic reconnaissance systems and communication relays. The Aerostar UAS has been purchased and operated by 15 customers worldwide.
