Skylark I-LE cleared to fly in French airspace
The Elbit Systems Skylark I-LE Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) has been cleared to fly in French national airspace following the issue of a Military Aircraft Type Certificate by the French Ministry of Defense (DGA – Direction Generale de l'Armement). Elbit Systems made the announcement in a 24 January 2012 company statement.
The certificate was issued following a rigorous review of air-worthiness and safety related documents that were submitted to the French Air-Worthiness Technical Authority. According to the company, the French Type Certificate is ‘a recognition of Skylark I-LE’s capabilities, and as such it is an important reference for Elbit Systems' customers in NATO and worldwide.’
The Skylark I-LE (Long Endurance) is a derivative of the legacy Skylark I UAS, already operational with several coalition forces worldwide. This mini/man-pack UAS is designed for lower echelons self support reconnaissance close range beyond-the next-hill missions, offering longer endurance of up to three hours and enhanced robustness. Performance-proven in cloudy and windy weather conditions, Skylark I-LE features advanced 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.
The latest configuration, equipped with algorithms derived from Elbit Systems’ Hermes family of larger UAS, can track fixed and moving targets, and can be used for both defence and homeland security applications including perimeter security, border and coastal surveillance, anti-terrorism surveillance and a variety of law enforcement missions. The system is equipped with the latest secured digital data link, and a 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.
Elbit Systems provides the Israeli Defence Force battalion-level with the Skylark I-LE for all Ground Forces, including training and logistics support.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet]()
US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
-
![Tekever unveils new swarm-controlling UAS]()
Tekever unveils new swarm-controlling UAS
Tekever has manufactured the AR3, AR4 and AR5 UAS with all systems sharing common electronics and software architecture, which has enabled the reuse of ground segment elements within the new ARX UAS.
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
