Successful
Flights Elbit Systems Skylark® I LE UAS with a Dominator®
Command & Control Unit.
Elbit
Systems announced Monday, 13 June, 2011, that it completed
a series of successful tests of its Skylark® I LE mini/man-pack
UAS (Unmmaned Aerial System) using the Dominator® hardware
to control and operate the UAS.
Skylark®
I LE mini/man-pack UAS (Unmmaned Aerial System) using the
Dominator® hardware to control and operate the UAS.
During
the tests, the Skylark was operated by a new cutting edge
lightweight Forward Ground Control Station (FGCS) which
utilizes the Dominator® organic hardware solution.
This new operational concept answers the modern battlefield's
requirements for interoperability and SWAP (Size Weight
and Power), enabling infantry forces to execute more complex
missions in diverse arenas while offering enhanced operational
flexibility.
Reducing
more than 15kg of the contemporary Skylark® ground
control system, the FGCS is comprised of four main components
aside from the UAS, all of which are geared on the soldier's
vest: FGCS computer (PDU), tactical hand-held display,
operator stick and an active Skylark® Rambo transducer
that fits as an additional radio into the soldier's vest.
For covert and/or “on-the-move” operations,
an eyepiece can be used instead of the hand-held display.
The
FGCS allows dismounted soldiers to carry minimum gear
for optimal operational efficiency, as the UAS can be
launched by Dispatcher Units, transferring control of
the operation to the Forward Units when the UAS reaches
their range. Offering a new operational concept, this
new lightweight ground station solution is ideal for covert
and special operations where a small hardware signature
is required. The tests confirmed the usability of the
new hardware configuration and the preservation of all
unique Skylark® highly autonomous operation to the
required mission range.
Skylark®
I LE is an enhancement of Skylark® I and is a high performance
mini/man-pack UAS, ideal for lower echelons self support
reconnaissance close range beyond-the-next-hill missions.
Skylark® I LE is an enhancement of
Skylark® I and is a high performance mini/man-pack UAS,
ideal for lower echelons self support reconnaissance close
range beyond-the-next-hill missions. The system features
exceptionally quiet propulsion, highly autonomous flight
and outstanding day or night observation capabilities, providing
high quality of operation and orientation skills. Skylark®
I LE is operational with the IDF as the Ground Forces' battalion-level
UAS. Skylark® I and I LE are also operational with Australia,
France and other armed forces in several NATO and other
countries, some of which have operated the UAS successfully
in various war zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
Geared
for the unit level and individual soldier, Dominator®
enables forces to dominate the field by empowering infantry
units with full situational awareness through networking
into integrated information systems. Dominator® incorporates
Elbit Systems’ C4I software solutions for the infantry
user (C4I SW), based on C4I infrastructures for tactical
forces. Outfitted with the Dominator® land warriors
can send and receive information in real time, view an up-to-the-minute
Common Operational Picture on personal displays, as well
as live video from either external or on-body sensors and
transmit images and positions back to the command post and
colleagues.
