Wars, Rumours and Threats: Seven (7) Articles over the past Eight (8) Days: Israeli drone Orbiter 4 breaks endurance record, stays in air for 25 (5×5) hours. “The flight was performed at mission altitude carrying the T-stamp EO payload with laser capabilities,” the company said in a statement on Sunday. Has an operating range of up to 150 (5+5+) km. Six (6) different flight Modes. Two payloads can be confirmed simultaneously. Team of three (3).

By ANNA AHRONHEIM   DECEMBER 15, 2019 12:32

Aeronautics Group’s Orbiter 4 unmanned aerial system has completed a record-breaking 25 hour flight, setting a new endurance record for the company’s flagship platform.

“The flight was performed at mission altitude carrying the T-stamp EO payload with laser capabilities,” the company said in a statement on Sunday.

Manufactured by the Israeli drone company Aeronautics, the Orbiter 4 unmanned aerial system (UAS) is the company’s most advanced tactical UAS. The compact, light-weight system is used by military and homeland security officials and has an operating range of up to 150 km.

The multi-mission UAS is a versatile and light platform and, with the capability to stay in the air for 25 hours, it extends its 1. intelligence,2. surveillance, 3. target acquisition and 4. reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.

According to the company, the UAS has six (6) different autonomous flight modes and can be used for 1. artillery fire management and 2. bomb damage assessment (BDA), 3. target acquisition for precision-guided weapons, 4. communications intelligence (COMINT), 5. electronic intelligence (ELINT) and 6. electronic warfare (EW).

Operated by a crew of three (3), the runway-free aircraft is highly portable and easily deployable, suiting all operational needs. With a low silhouette and silent flight mode, the advanced covert platform is available for both land and maritime operations and can be used in all weather conditions.

The platform can carry and operate two different payloads confirmed simultaneously, and integrate an electro-optical payload with laser designator, SAR radar, MPR maritime radar or other advance payloads. In addition, the system has an open architecture that allows quick integration of new advanced sensors.

“This new achievement highlights our technological leadership in the tactical UAS segment,” said Amos Matan, chief executive officer for Aeronautics Group. “The Orbiter 4 is a breakthrough system with an impressive roadmap, based on Rafael advance technology and payloads. We are committed to continue investing in developing the platform for the benefit of our customers and users, reaching more records and maintaining excellence.”

According to foreign media reports, Israel is considered a leading exporter of drones.