Elbit Systems has developed the Skylark C, a new highly autonomous mini unmanned aircraft system (mini-UAS) specifically designed and built for maritime applications.

Based on the Skylark I mini UAS – which is fully operational and in use by dozens of customers around the world – the new Skylark C transforms and extends the operational capabilities of its land-based counterpart into an organic maritime intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) asset.

As a maritime vessel organic asset, Skylark C provides the capabilities to inspect maritime activities from a safe distance, observe targets from a bird’s-eye view, perform reconnaissance over coastal areas and perform continuous covert surveillance, thus extending the vessel’s ISR capabilities with respect to range, rate and quality of information obtained.

Mission effective, with highly autonomous flight capability, Skylark C incorporates an electrically-propelled air vehicle with a very low visual and acoustic signature, making it an ideal solution for covert operations such as special naval operations, border security, anti-terrorism and anti-piracy operations. The aerial vehicle utilises Elbit Systems’ industry-leading UAS technology and know-how, featuring an advanced inertial navigation system (INS) and a stabilised electro-optical (EO) payload with a high resolution thermal imager and colour daylight camera that enables continuous day/night monitoring in diverse weather conditions.