Tel Aviv: Israeli company Aeronautics has unveiled the Orbiter 2 LM (Loitering Munition), the latest addition to Aeronautics’ portfolio of combat proven loitering munitions systems.
According to the company, Orbiter 2 LM offers enhanced capabilities including long endurance, persistent surveillance, optimal precision with low collateral damage making it ideal for a diverse number of missions.
The Orbiter 2 LM offers an optimal solution, combining both the functionality of the loitering munition together with ISR capabilities. With an extended endurance of two hours, the system provides high mission flexibility for success in uncertain operational scenarios, particularly those characterized by targets with short time windows.
The system is fully operational in GPS-denied areas and uses advanced communication – immune to interference and encrypted for secure data transmission. The system supports full connectivity to external C4I systems.
The Orbiter 2 STS (Sensor-to-Shooter) mission system is based on two combat-proven, fixed-wing, electric UAVs – the Orbiter 2 ISR and the Orbiter 2 LM. Both systems share a common platform, communication data link, control station and operational software.
The Sensor-to-Shooter Mission system enables enhanced mission versatility by facilitating intelligence gathering, precise target pinpointing, and BDA (Battle Damage Assessment) via the Orbiter 2 ISR, while enabling rapid target engagement with the Orbiter 2 LM.
The STS mission system offers superior performance, fast sensor-shooter mission cycle, and operational flexibility, all within a small logistics footprint. Moreover, the system enables efficient flight training capabilities by leveraging the Orbiter 2 ISR for diverse operational scenarios.
Both Orbiter 2 LM and Orbiter ISR have high resolution day and IR electro optical payloads, onboard Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) and Video Motion Detection (VMD), for increased operational capabilities.
The Orbiter 2 LM and the Orbiter ISR are electric-powered and characterised by low acoustic, optic and RCS signatures. The system’s simplicity enables operation by a team of two personnel after only a few weeks of training.
Says Dan Slasky, President & CEO of Aeronautics, “Aeronautics has established a strong global reputation in the tactical UA domain, enabling to meet the increased demand for autonomous capabilities in the modern battlefield. The integration of the Orbiter 2 LM into our Sensor-to-Shooter system, empowers field forces with accurate intelligence and attack capabilities, ensuring seamless execution of multiple tasks.”
“Customers who already deploy the Orbiter 2 system, can now expand their capabilities by integrating a loitering munition system that easily interfaces with the current command, control, and communication systems. The Orbiter 2 LM represents a significant advancement in tactical unmanned aerial systems, meeting the evolving needs of modern warfare,” he added.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
