Successful Flights for Elbit Systems'
Skylark® I LE UAS Operated by a Dominator®
Command & Control Unit Located on the
Soldier's Vest
The new operational concept enables infantry forces to execute more
complex missions in diverse arenas while offering enhanced
operational flexibility
Haifa, Israel, June 13, 2011 – Elbit Systems announced today that it completed a
series of successful tests of its Skylark® I LE mini/man-pack UAS using the
Dominator® hardware to control and operate the UAS. During the tests, the
Skylark was operated by a new cutting edge lightweight Forward Ground Control
Station (FGCS) which utilizes the Dominator® organic hardware solution. This
new operational concept answers the modern battlefield's requirements for
interoperability and SWAP (Size Weight and Power), enabling infantry forces to
execute more complex missions in diverse arenas while offering enhanced
operational flexibility.
Reducing more than 15kg of the contemporary Skylark® ground control system,
the FGCS is comprised of four main components aside from the UAS, all of
which are geared on the soldier's vest: FGCS computer (PDU), tactical hand-held
display, operator stick and an active Skylark® Rambo transducer that fits as an
additional radio into the soldier's vest. For covert and/or “on-the-move”
operations, an eyepiece can be used instead of the hand-held display.
The FGCS allows dismounted soldiers to carry minimum gear for optimal
operational efficiency, as the UAS can be launched by Dispatcher Units,
transferring control of the operation to the Forward Units when the UAS reaches
their range. Offering a new operational concept, this new lightweight ground
station solution is ideal for covert and special operations where a small hardware
signature is required. The tests confirmed the usability of the new hardware
configuration and the preservation of all unique Skylark® highly autonomous
operation to the required mission range.
Notes to Editors:
Skylark® I LE is an enhancement of Skylark® I and is a high performance
mini/man-pack UAS, ideal for lower echelons self support reconnaissance close
range beyond-the-next-hill missions. The system features exceptionally quiet
propulsion, highly autonomous flight and outstanding day or night observation
capabilities, providing high quality of operation and orientation skills. Skylark® I
LE is operational with the IDF as the Ground Forces' battalion-level UAS.
Skylark® I and I LE are also operational with Australia, France and other armed
forces in several NATO and other countries, some of which have operated the
UAS successfully in various war zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
Geared for the unit level and individual soldier, Dominator® enables forces to
dominate the field by empowering infantry units with full situational awareness
through networking into integrated information systems. Dominator® incorporates
Elbit Systems’ C4I software solutions for the infantry user (C4I SW), based on C4I
infrastructures for tactical forces. Outfitted with the Dominator® land warriors can
send and receive information in real time, view an up-to-the-minute Common
Operational Picture on personal displays, as well as live video from either
external or on-body sensors and transmit images and positions back to the
command post and colleagues.
About Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a
wide range of programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit
Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval
systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence
surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"),
advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne
warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications
systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing
military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security
and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services.
For additional information, visit: www.elbitsystems.com.
Contact:
Dalia Rosen, Head of Corporate Communications
Tel: 972-4-831-6784
Fax: 972-4-831-5420
E-mail: dalia.rosen@elbitsystems.com
Dana Tal, Corporate Communications
Tel: 972-4-831-8809
Cell: 972-54-9998809
E-Mail: dana.tal@elbitsystems.com
Ilana Gelfer, Marketing Communications
Tel: 972-4-831-5056
Fax: 972-4-831-7902
E-mail: marcom@elbitsystems.com