IAI Demos Electric UAVs to Foreign Prospects

Feb. 1, 2013 defense-unmanned.com

(Source: Israel Aerospace Industries; issued January 31, 2013)

Israel Aerospace Industries Has Showcased Its Electric Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems In A Series of Successful Demonstrations

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has recently conducted a series of successful demonstrations of its tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for various potential customers.

IAI's 'Ghost' UAS has demonstrated its versatility and high maneuverability in support for ISR Missions in urban warfare. In addition, various international customers have been interested in using the 'Ghost' for potential commercial needs.

IAI's Panther UAS has successfully completed its evaluation period, during which the system was demonstrated for international customers who have shown their interest in the system's Automatic Vertical Take Off & Landing capabilities.

In a further demonstration, held in an Asian country, IAI's ETOP (Electric Tethered Observation Platform) was showcased to a foreign customer. During the demonstration, the ETOP's hovering capabilities at a predetermined altitude above ground for long periods were proven successful. Following the demo, IAI has received requests from additional foreign customers for further demonstrations.

Background information: IAI's ETOP, Panther and Ghost tactical UAS

IAI's ETOP is a pure electric powered, tethered airborne platform for observation and other applications, which can be deployed form a static or moving ground vehicle/station.

The platform operates with an electric powered propellers which can hover at a predetermined altitude above ground for long periods depending on the ground platform energy storage capability. The ETOP can carry a payload of up to 20Kg to a maximum altitude of 100m for an unlimited period of time* by a simple one click operation, thus making it operator free.

IAI's Panther is a family of tilt rotor propeller and fixed wing VTOL systems. The PANTHER is a uniquely designed Fixed Wing VTOL UAS with a tilt rotor capability that provides a remarkable solution to a wide variety of tasks when pin-point automatic take off and landing is a requirement. The system can be utilized in military, civilian and homeland security (HLS) operations providing high level of operational flexibility and a small logistical footprint.

IAI's 'Ghost' is an innovative, small hovering unmanned platform weighing approximately 4 kg (9 lbs) which provides real-time intelligence to ground forces operating in urban areas. Equipped with an automatic vertical takeoff & landing system, the 'Ghost' can loiter for up to 30 minutes and can be carried in two backpacks for quick deployment and easy operation. The system was designed with twin rotary electrical engines to reduce its acoustic signature and support day and night special mission operations.