Tel Aviv: Israeli company Aeronautics unveiled the a new member of the multi-rotor family: the Hybrid Octoper, a tactical multi-rotor UAS with a hybrid propulsion system. According to the company, the Hybrid Octoper incorporates significantly extended mission endurance of up to four hours, with multi-payload capability.

Aeronautics says that surpassing conventional limitations of electric UAVs, the Hybrid Octoper enables significantly longer flight durations, reducing the need for frequent battery and UAV replacements while maintaining critical persistent surveillance during complex missions. By integrating fuel combustion and electric sources of power, the Hybrid Octoper extends operational capabilities through optimized energy usage and cost-effectiveness.

The Hybrid Octoper, a multi-role tactical drone, with its military-oriented design, enables high survivability, seamless integration with diverse sensors and payloads,, radar systems and more. Operating from customer’s C4I ability, it supports autonomous landing, GNSS-denied navigation, and encrypted communication. The advanced video processing and analytics enhances situational awareness, while the various payload options ensure mission versatility.

The hybrid propulsion incorporates a generator as the main energy source, providing significant mission endurance enhancement. It also features a backup battery for 10 minutes of stealth flight backup, with in-flight engine on/off capability and 4000 watts of continuous power.

Dan Slasky, President and CEO of Aeronautics, said that the Hybrid Octoper marks a significant leap in the heavy multi-rotor UAV product space.

“With its extended hovering capability, enhanced situational awareness, and seamless integration of diverse payloads, enables maximum mission versatility and flexibility,” he added.