Aeronautics unveils Orbiter 2 loitering munition variant
The Orbiter 2 LM has been developed from the original ISTAR UAS version. (Image: Aeronautics)
The Orbiter 2 is a lightweight, compact, man-portable mini-UAS with tactical capabilities, designed to support border protection, homeland security, ISTAR, low-intensity conflict, maritime surveillance and urban warfare operations.
Aeronautics has developed a kinetic version of its Orbiter 2 ISR UAS, the Orbiter 2LM (Loitering Munition), which has commonality with the original platform across communications data link, control station and operational software.
Both LM and ISR variants have high-resolution day and IR electro-optic payloads, onboard automatic target recognition and video motion detection for increased operational capabilities.
The two variants use the same basic airframe and while few details have been revealed of the changes in specifications, Aeronautics lists Orbiter 2 LM with an endurance of two hours while the ISR model has an endurance of three hours. The difference is likely to relate to the increased weight of the kinetic warhead compared to lighter electronic and EO payloads.
The two platforms form what the company describes as the Orbiter 2 STS (Sensor-to-Shooter) mission system with the ISR UAV latter providing post-operation battle damage assessment.
The platforms are electric-powered with low acoustic and optical signatures. The system is operated by a team of two personnel after, according to the company, only a few weeks of training.
Both variants have a wingspan of 3m, a length of 0.9m and a maximum take-off weight of 13kg with a line-of-sight datalink range of 50km.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![India revives Netra Mk-II AWACS after Airbus cost dispute]()
India revives Netra Mk-II AWACS after Airbus cost dispute
India has cleared higher retrofit costs for six ageing Airbus A321s to be converted into Netra Mk-II airborne surveillance platforms, marking progress in a long-delayed AWACS programme but raising questions over lifespan and operational value.
-
![Lockheed nets $43 million US Army contract for Black Hawk modernisation]()
Lockheed nets $43 million US Army contract for Black Hawk modernisation
The initial funds will focus on the foundational capabilities to modernise the attack helicopter, including digital architecture that will allow for launched effects and UAS integration.
-
![New Zealand to procure MH-60R and A321XLR aircraft as plan to “rebuild” the NZDF begins]()
New Zealand to procure MH-60R and A321XLR aircraft as plan to “rebuild” the NZDF begins
The MH-60R Seahawk and A321XLR aircraft are the first procurement announcements designed to help delivery of a more combat capable and interoperable fleet to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), as outlined in the New Zealand government’s April Defence Capability Plan.
-
![USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit]()
USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit
The US Air Force awarded Red6 a contract to install its ATARS software into the aircraft to provide new training solutions, following successful integrations in the T-38 Talon and MC-130.
-
![Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff]()
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
![Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss]()
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
