The Israel defence forces’ land command and the nation’s defence ministry are developing an unmanned quadcopter to support ground units.

Currently being defined by the land command’s technical branch, the basic design is the result of recent combat experience by ground units, which are currently equipped with Elbit Systems’ Skylark unmanned air vehicle. The system is mainly deployed by artillery units and special forces personnel.

Speaking on 12 September, Israeli sources said that once the basic design requirements had been completed, a tender would be issued for the quadcopter’s production.

Sources suggest that the new system will have a maximum take-off weight of 10-15kg (22-33lb), with a rotor diameter of 1m (3.3ft). Its operational endurance is expected to be 30min while carrying a 3-4kg payload and up to 1h with a sensor fit totalling 400g.

Source: FlightGlobal.com