Aeronautics Defense Orbiter
| Orbiter | |
|---|---|
| Script error: No such module "InfoboxImage". | |
| The Aeronautics Orbiter UAV in flight | |
| Role | Reconnaissance UAVTemplate:Short description |
| National origin | Israel |
| Manufacturer | Aeronautics Defense Systems |
The Orbiter Mini UAV System is an Israeli compact and lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle designed for use in military and security applications. It has been used in the Middle East since it was first developed. The system is used for 'Over The Hill' reconnaissance missions, Low Intensity Conflicts and Urban warfare operations as well as any close range ISTAR mission. It is manufactured by the Israeli company Aeronautics Defense Systems.[1]
Aeronautics announced in May 2015 the Orbiter 1K "Kingfisher" version with a fuselage adapted to carry a Script error: No such module "convert". explosive payload, turning it into a loitering munition. It can be controlled by an operator, or is capable of being given a waypoint and independently scanning the area to detect and destroy a stationary or moving target. If a target is not detected, the Orbiter 1K can return to base and land for reuse.[2] The Orbiter 1K can fly for 2–3 hours carrying an electro-optical/infrared sensor with a unique warhead that, due to its low acoustic signature, “is not detected until two seconds before it starts its kill dive”. Aeronautics announced the armed loitering UAV achieved operational status in August 2016.[3]
Accidents and incidents
According to news reports, an Orbiter Mini UAV, operated by the Mexican Federal Government, likely the Federal Police, malfunctioned on December 17, 2010. During a surveillance operation, it crossed the border into US airspace and crashed in El Paso, Texas.[4] No property was damaged, as the UAV apparently deployed a parachute during its descent. It was reported to and retrieved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Operational history
The Orbiter 1k was employed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.[5] In 2017, Israeli company Aeronautics Limited was hit with fraud charges and violation of Israel's export control laws. Israeli members of the company were found to have “demonstrated” their suicide drone with an actual strike on Armenians in the region.[6][7] Critics maintained that Israeli supplying regimes cheap drones like these were fueling the conflict in Armenia and Azerbaijan.[8][9]
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Operators
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Azerbaijani Land Forces - Orbiter-3 - has a local plant for manufacturing[10]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Croatian Army - The latest variant Orbiter 3b - 6
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Finnish Army - two sets delivered - Orbiter-2B[11]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Hellenic Army - "Large numbers" were procured in April 2023 for use with the SPIKE-NLOS systems[12]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Paskhas - Orbiter-2B [13]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Irish Army - Orbiter-2B[14]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Israeli Sea Corps[15]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Mexican Federal Police[16][17] PEMEX - Orbiter-2B[18]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Peruvian Army
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Polish Land Forces and Polish Special Forces - 11 sets delivered - Orbiter-2B[19]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Serbian Army - 10 sets
- File:Flag of Singapore.svg Singapore - Republic of Singapore Air Force - Orbiter-4 [20]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - South African National Defence Force
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Ministry of Defence - Orbiter-3.[21]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Royal Thai Navy
- File:Flag of Turkmenistan.svg Turkmenistan - Orbiter 2B[22]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Orbiter-4
- Script error: No such module "flag". - 3 on order[15]
- Script error: No such module "flag". - Witnessed in the Ukrainian skies on November 17, 2022[15]
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- Vietnam People's Ground Force - Orbiter 2 - Orbiter 3[23]
- Vietnam People's Navy - Orbiter 2[24]
References
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- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Aeronautics' new Orbiter 1K Kingfisher MUAS to be unveiled at Paris Air Show 2015 - Airrecognition.com, 28 May 2015
- ↑ Loitering Orbiter 1K on target for first delivery - Flightglobal.com, 2 August 2016
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