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
-
![US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft]()
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
![Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production]()
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
-
![South Korea considers cancellation of second AH-64E Apache helicopter purchase]()
South Korea considers cancellation of second AH-64E Apache helicopter purchase
The likely scrapping of Boeing’s Apache helicopter comes after a huge budget cut approved by the South Korean National Assembly. The helicopter procurement had already been reconsidered by the country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff earlier in the year.
-
![UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade]()
UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade
The number of aircraft was stated by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a Defence Committee hearing. It follows on from the UK’s decision to purchase F-35A aircraft to boost its nuclear deterrence, although hurdles and questions about the order still remain.
-
![Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft]()
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
