Tuesday, December 02, 2008

SkyLite

IOC: 2004

SkyLite B

IOC: 2005

Origin
Israel

Contractor/s
Rafael

Family Members
SkyLite A

Description: The SkyLite B is a tactical man-launched, electrically powered, easy operation, loitering surveillance and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) member of SkyLite mini-UAV family. Its Electro-Optical (EO) payload is stabilized and outfitted with gimbals. SkyLite offers long endurance, high resolution imagery, autonomous operation mode, and can be launched from confined spaces and urban areas. Weather changes don't pose a grave threat for SkyLite.

The broad mission profile for SkyLite tactical mini-UAV includes from conventional battlefield missions in support of infantry forces and armored units to on-going urban security. Its flexibility allows for continuous tracking of a stationary target, surveillance of a crowded urban area, scanning an axis, accompanying a combat force, tracking personnel and vehicles, as well as directing a combat force to its target. Information gathered by SkyLite is relayed back to a ground station which also takes care of commanding mini-UAV.

SkyLite B mini-UAV, shoulder-launched system is intended for the Israel Armed Forces and international customers. SkyLite B gets airborne using a catapult/launcher and is recovered using its built-in parachute and air bag systems. Both systems make this mini-UAV highly reusable. Its primary users are infantry troops deployed up to battalion level delivering more than one and a half hours on station providing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

In June 2007, Rafael disclosed an improved version of SkyLite B featuring a greater range of over 35 km, flight endurance of 3 hours and secure digital data link. The improved SkyLite B was equipped with a more powerful battery and extended wing tips which increased the air vehicle's weight by 1.5 kg.

Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 2

Dimensions: Diameter 120 mm, Length 1,100 mm, Wingspan 1.7 m

Weights: Max Weight 6.5 kg (14.3 lb)

Performance: Cruise Speed 28 mps (55 kt), Endurance 90 min, Max Range 20,000 m (65,617 ft)

News
SkyLite B Breaks World Records

Spike and SKYLITE B Team Up to Demonstrate Real-Time Closure of Sensor-to-Shooter Loop

Rafael Unveils SkyLite B Extended Range, Longer Endurance Version

SkyLite B Undergoes Trials in Australasia

Operators

Israel

Image Gallery

Notes
(*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)

Last Updated: Saturday, November 22, 2008

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