Aeronautics Defense Orbiter

The Orbiter Mini UAV System is a compact and lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle designed for use in military and security applications. It has been used in the Middle East since it was first developed. The system is used for 'Over The Hill' reconnaissance missions, Low Intensity Conflicts and Urban warfare operations as well as any close range ISTAR mission. It is manufactured by the Israeli company Aeronautics Defense Systems.[1]

Orbiter
A Serbian Orbiter UAV
Role Reconnaissance UAV
National origin Israel
Manufacturer Aeronautics Defense Systems

Aeronautics announced in May 2015 the Orbiter 1K "Kingfisher" version with a fuselage adapted to carry a 2 kg (4.4 lb) explosive payload, turning it into a loitering munition. It can be controlled by an operator, or is capable of being given a waypoint and independently scanning the area to detect and destroy a stationary or moving target. If a target is not detected, the Orbiter 1K can return to base and land for reuse.[2] The Orbiter 1K can fly for 2–3 hours carrying an electro-optical/infrared sensor with a unique warhead that, due to its low acoustic signature, “is not detected until two seconds before it starts its kill dive”. Aeronautics announced the armed loitering UAV achieved operational status in August 2016.[3]

Accidents and incidents

According to news reports, an Orbiter Mini UAV, operated by the Mexican Federal Government, likely the Federal Police, malfunctioned on December 17, 2010. During a surveillance operation, it crossed the border into US airspace and crashed in El Paso, Texas.[4] No property was damaged, as the UAV apparently deployed a parachute during its descent. It was reported to and retrieved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Operational history

The Orbiter 1k was employed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.[5]

Operators

References
  1. "Aeronautics Ltd. | Aeronautics Defence Systems - Home Page". Aeronautics Ltd.
  2. Aeronautics' new Orbiter 1K Kingfisher MUAS to be unveiled at Paris Air Show 2015 - Airrecognition.com, 28 May 2015
  3. Loitering Orbiter 1K on target for first delivery - Flightglobal.com, 2 August 2016
  4. "Drone crash in El Paso under investigation". www.cnn.com.
  5. "Haut-Karabakh : Israël fournit bien des drones à l'Azerbaïdjan pour frapper des cibles arméniennes". France Info. 17 October 2020. Retrieved 2020-10-20.
  6. Desk, iHLS News (15 October 2014). "Orbiter 3 to be manufactured in Azerbaijan - iHLS Israel Homeland Security". iHLS Israel Homeland Security. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  7. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-01-12. Retrieved 2012-04-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. Lavery, Don (1 August 2008). "Defence Forces to use Israeli robot spy planes". Irish Independent. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  9. http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART2/152/487.html
  10. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-02-22. Retrieved 2012-09-04.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. "Mexico police buy Israeli air surveillance systems". February 16, 2009 – via www.reuters.com.
  12. "Fuerzas Armadas comprarán drones". El Universal.
  13. "samolotypolskie.pl - Aeronautics Defense "Orbiter"". www.samolotypolskie.pl.
  14. Ing, David (10 October 2018). "Spain procures Aeronautics Orbiter UAVs". IHS Jane's 360. Madrid. Archived from the original on 11 October 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
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