Israeli aerospace firm Elbit Systems introduced its new Skylark 3 hybrid small tactical unmanned aerial system at the Singapore Airshow 2022.
The new Skylark 3 is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system for improved endurance with no change to its size or weight. The system allows the unmanned aerial system to operate for up to 18 hours, significantly increasing mission effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
Its internal combustion engine enables rapid deployment to areas of interest (AOI), with the option of switching to its electrical engine to conduct missions above the AOI.
The hybrid Skylark 3 has a wingspan of 4.7 meters (15.4 feet) and maximum takeoff weight of 50 kilograms (110 pounds). It also features a “plug and play” interface to quickly replace sensors during missions.
According to Elbit, the cutting-edge drone can integrate a variety of payloads, including a high-resolution electro-optical system, electronic intelligence system, communications intelligence system, and laser designators.
It can be operated by a crew of two with a pneumatic launcher mounted on a vehicle or vessel. The system’s ground control station can deploy and manage two Skylarks simultaneously.
A recent report by news site Globes revealed that dozens of the hybrid drones have already been sold to foreign customers. However, sources at Elbit refused to disclose which countries acquired the system.
Classic Skylark 3
The hybrid version of the drone is based on the classic Skylark 3, which delivers organic airborne intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capabilities, providing real-time intelligence day and night.
The system’s high-resolution, stabilized dual electro-optical/infrared payload facilitates many applications, including over-the-hill intelligence, strategic infrastructure protection, force and convoy protection, and border patrol.
Unlike the hybrid Skylark, the classic Skylark drone can only operate for up to six hours.