Aeronautics Defense Orbiter
The Orbiter Mini UAV System is an Israeli compact and lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle designed for use in military and security applications. It has been used in the Middle East since it was first developed. The system is used for 'Over The Hill' reconnaissance missions, low intensity conflicts and urban warfare operations as well as any close range ISTAR mission. It is manufactured by the Israeli company Aeronautics Defense Systems. Aeronautics announced in May 2015 the Orbiter 1K "Kingfisher" version with a fuselage adapted to carry a 2 kg (4.4 lb) explosive payload, turning it into a loitering munition. It can be controlled by an operator, or is capable of being given a waypoint and independently scanning the area to detect and destroy a stationary or moving target. If a target is not detected, the Orbiter 1K can return to base and land for reuse. The Orbiter 1K can fly for 2–3 hours carrying an electro-optical/infrared sensor with a unique warhead that, due to its low acoustic signature, "is not detected until two seconds before it starts its kill dive". Aeronautics announced the armed loitering UAV achieved operational status in August 2016.
Summary from Wikipedia, photo via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA.
- Manufacturer
- Aeronautics Defense Systems
- Category
- Reconnaissance
- Country of origin
- Israel
Specifications
- Cruise speed
- 60 kt
- Max speed
- 80 kt
- Range
- 60 nm
- Service ceiling
- 15,000 ft
- Rate of climb
- 200 ft/min
- Max takeoff weight
- 1,100 lb
- Empty weight
- 600 lb
- Fuel capacity
- 15 US gal
- Powerplant
- Electric motor
- Engines
- 1
- Seats
- 1
- Length
- 8 ft
- Wingspan
- 13 ft
- Height
- 3 ft
- Number built
- 50
Specifications are approximate and may vary by variant. Compiled from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Reference and training only. Specifications vary by variant — consult the manufacturer and the official documents.