OVERVIEW
The Israeli Elbit Systems Skylark UAV series has taken hold in the inventories of several world powers.
The Israeli Elbit Systems Skylark UAV series has taken hold in the inventories of several world powers.
YEAR: 2006
STATUS: Active, In-Service
MANUFACTURER(S): Elbit Systems - Israel
PRODUCTION: 100
OPERATORS: Australia; Canada; Croatia; Czech Republic; Hungary; Israel; Kazakhstan; Macedonia; Netherlands; Poland; Slovakia; South Korea; Sweden
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Elbit Skylark model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Elbit Skylark model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 0
WIDTH: 105.45 feet (32.14 meters)
WEIGHT (EMPTY): 15 pounds (7 kilograms)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 15 pounds (7 kilograms)
ENGINE: 1 x Electric powerplant powering a two-bladed propeller in a puller arrangement.
SPEED (MAX): 40 miles-per-hour (65 kilometers-per-hour; 35 knots)
RANGE: 124 miles (200 kilometers; 108 nautical miles)
CEILING: 15,000 feet (4,572 meters; 2.84 miles)
ARMAMENT
None.
None.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• Skylark - Base Series Designation
• Skylark I - Initial production model
• Skylark II - Appearing in 2006.
Series Model Variants
• Skylark - Base Series Designation
• Skylark I - Initial production model
• Skylark II - Appearing in 2006.
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Elbit Skylark Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Entry last updated on 2/21/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Elbit Skylark Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Entry last updated on 2/21/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Elbit Systems of Israel produces their Skylark series of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as a portable surveillance and reconnaissance system. The type was developed through a joint initiative by the Technology and Logistics Branch and Ground Forces of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). Due to its size, the system can be brought to bear at the squad level, providing a fire team with a quick reacting, real-time processing "eye-in-the-sky" ally to be used to identify potential threats or areas governed by the enemy during the course of an operation. The Skylark has since been evolved into two distinct forms - the original Skylark I and the follow-up Skylark 2 with broadened tactical capabilities. Elbit Systems was founded in 1967 and is headquartered out of Haifa, Israel. Its initial business primarily dealt with electronics and communications before delving into the world of unmanned systems, having grown to employ some 12,300 personnel worldwide.
As a portable system, the Skylark can be transported with relative ease and is launched via hand - doing away with the more complicated and expensive catapult-launching methods utilized by larger UAV types. The design consists of a conventional airplane arrangement involving a centralized nacelle containing the requisite fuel stores, powerplant and payload as well as a traditional tail unit. The Skylark makes use of straight wing appendages that sport a slight forward crank at their midway span (this is mainly noticeable at the trailing edges. Wings are high-mounted on the fuselage to help clear the belly-mounted nacelle camera equipment. The tail unit consists of a single vertical fin set forward of the horizontal tailplanes. There is no undercarriage attributed to the Skylark design as recovery is through stalling, creating a slow and controlled freefall to which the system lands safely on a pre-inflated cushion. The Skylark I sports an operational range out to 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles). The onboard powerplant manages a two-bladed propeller system fitted at the front of the design in a "puller" configuration.
As a portable system, the Skylark can be transported with relative ease and is launched via hand - doing away with the more complicated and expensive catapult-launching methods utilized by larger UAV types. The design consists of a conventional airplane arrangement involving a centralized nacelle containing the requisite fuel stores, powerplant and payload as well as a traditional tail unit. The Skylark makes use of straight wing appendages that sport a slight forward crank at their midway span (this is mainly noticeable at the trailing edges. Wings are high-mounted on the fuselage to help clear the belly-mounted nacelle camera equipment. The tail unit consists of a single vertical fin set forward of the horizontal tailplanes. There is no undercarriage attributed to the Skylark design as recovery is through stalling, creating a slow and controlled freefall to which the system lands safely on a pre-inflated cushion. The Skylark I sports an operational range out to 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles). The onboard powerplant manages a two-bladed propeller system fitted at the front of the design in a "puller" configuration.
Elbit Skylark (Cont'd)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
As the primary mission of the Skylark is observation, the system is properly equipped with a real-time camera for daylight operations while it can also be equipped with a thermal imaging device and electro-optical/infrared sensors. This allows for the Skylark system to operate in low-light conditions with the same fervor as it does in day time sorties. Guidance is assisted by the onboard GPS installation. The visual systems transmit data to an awaiting Ground Control Station (GCS) managed by the launch crew.
The Skylark II (also known as the "Skylark Generation 2") system is a more advanced version of the Skylark family UAV. Elbit debuted the Skylark II in 2006 and marketed it with an improved range of 60 km (37 miles) with a flight endurance time of approximately 6 hours. The aircraft is intended to serve in the low-to-medium altitude role and management is through a crew of two specially-trained operators utilizing the GCS from a HMMWV high-mobility vehicle (HUMVEE). Its overall design configuration is equivalent to the original Skylark 1 series including the underslung payload area.
The Skylark II is expected to enter service with the Israeli Army by the end of 2013 and serve in the intelligence-gathering role. The Skylark 2 will eventually staff every Israeli Army battalion in the support role.
The Skylark family of UAVs is in widespread use with the forces of Australia, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Israel (Skylark I and II), Macedonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea (Skylark II) and Sweden. The UAV has seen combat action in both the Afghanistan and Iraqi theaters.
The Skylark II (also known as the "Skylark Generation 2") system is a more advanced version of the Skylark family UAV. Elbit debuted the Skylark II in 2006 and marketed it with an improved range of 60 km (37 miles) with a flight endurance time of approximately 6 hours. The aircraft is intended to serve in the low-to-medium altitude role and management is through a crew of two specially-trained operators utilizing the GCS from a HMMWV high-mobility vehicle (HUMVEE). Its overall design configuration is equivalent to the original Skylark 1 series including the underslung payload area.
The Skylark II is expected to enter service with the Israeli Army by the end of 2013 and serve in the intelligence-gathering role. The Skylark 2 will eventually staff every Israeli Army battalion in the support role.
The Skylark family of UAVs is in widespread use with the forces of Australia, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Israel (Skylark I and II), Macedonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea (Skylark II) and Sweden. The UAV has seen combat action in both the Afghanistan and Iraqi theaters.
MEDIA
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 50mph
Lo: 25mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (40mph).
Graph average of 37.5 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
LDN
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MSK
MSK
TKY
TKY
SYD
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LAX
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NYC
Graph showcases the Elbit Skylark's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (100)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
100
100
Altitude Visualization
