SkyLite B, mini-UAV
SKYLITE B UAS Breaks World Records in High
Altitude and Extended Range Flight
Press Release
Rafael and Bluebird Aero Systems Report on Latest Flight Demonstrations
October 22, 2008 – Haifa. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
together with Bluebird Aero Systems Ltd., announces that the
SkyLite B, mini-UAV, reached the remarkable flight ceiling
of 36,000 ft during recent demonstrations of operational
flight capabilities for a tactical reconnaissance team operating
in mountainous areas.
The SkyLite B is a man-portable or vehicle mounted,
long endurance mini-UAV system designed to provide tactical
units with independent ISR capabilities. SkyLite B is specially
equipped with advanced image processing capabilities, including
automatic motion detection.
The demonstration that was held last month,
was one of a series of worldwide demonstrations
executed in order to prove the extended performance
envelope of the UAS in its operational environment.
During that demonstration, the SkyLite B proved that
can be launched from high altitudes of 14,500 ft
(where the air density is less than 60% of the sea level
atmosphere and gusts of wind are strong and dangerous)
and can climb and perform its ISR missions admirably
even at greater altitudes of up to 36,000 ft.
This is especially important for intelligence gathering and
tactical units that need to operate independently in
mountainous regions on patrol missions.
The SkyLite B displayed its extreme versatility and uniqueness
by breaking flight endurance records of over 3.5 hours while
executing an operational target tracking mission with an
operational flight range of 42 km; no small feat for and electric
powered mini-UAV.
Mr. Lova Drori, Vice President Marketing at Rafael says that
"We are pleased by the results of these latest flight tests,
during which we reached our customers' operational demands and
exceeded them.
The robustness of the SkyLite B system has once again proven its
high operational efficiency for a wide range
of patrol and intelligence missions."
Mr. Ronen Nadir, President and CEO of Bluebird Aero Systems
says that "We are not surprised by the unprecedented altitude,
range and endurance results. The SkyLiteB was distinctly
designed to push the performance envelope to the full extent
and provide unmatched capabilities".
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