Elbit Systems to showcase hybrid propulsion small tactical UAS at Singapore Airshow 2022.

Elbit Systems will present the Skylark 3 Hybrid Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (STUAS) for the first time at the Singapore Airshow 2022 (stand C-N65 in the Israeli Pavilion). The Skylark 3 Hybrid is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, both an electric and an internal combustion engine, tripling endurance and offering up to 18 hours of operations, with no change to size or weight, significantly increasing mission effectiveness and cost efficiency.

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Skylark 3 Hybrid  (Picture source: Elbit Systems)

The Skylark 3 Hybrid uses its combustion engine to fly rapidly to the Area Of Interest (AOI) and switches to the electrical engine while operating above the AOI. The twin engine architecture of the new Skylark enables one to back up the other, providing greater reliability and safety. The significantly higher endurance of the Skylark 3 Hybrid provides forces with greater capacity to hover above AOI and requires fewer platforms to execute the same mission.

Skylark 3 Hybrid is based on the Skylark family of STUAS that have been ordered by 27 countries, to date. Skylark 3 Hybrid has a 4.7m wingspan, a maximum takeoff weight of 50kg, service ceiling of 12,000ft and a range of 120km. It features dual payload capacity with a “plug and play” interface for a quick replacement of sensors in the field. The Skylark 3 Hybrid is capable of integrating a range of payloads including high-resolution Electro-Optical gimbaled payload, ELINT, COMINT, laser designators and others. It is deployed and operated by a crew of two, launched via a pneumatic launcher and can be mounted on a vehicle or vessel. Two Skylark 3 Hybrid STUAS can be assigned to the same mission simultaneously managed by a shared Ground Control Station.