Skylark I is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed by Elbit Systems, an Israel-based military technology company.
The new small tactical UAS (STUAS) was unveiled at the Defence & Security Equipment International Exhibition held in London, UK in September 2023.
Recommended White Papers
Recommended Buyers Guides
It supports a range of applications including intelligence beyond the horizon, target acquisition, force and convoy protection, border patrol, security operations, search and rescue (SAR) missions, environmental monitoring and counter-terrorism.
Part of Elbit Systems’ Skylark family of UAS, the Skylark I-eVTOL allows for flexible operation across various environments, including sea, on land and urban areas.
It offers full interoperability with both the Skylark 3 mini UAS and SkyStriker loitering munition. The Skylark family of UAS is actively deployed in multiple countries around the world.
Skylark I-eVTOL UAS design and features
The Skylark I-eVTOL UAS weighs up to 20kg and is an advanced platform that can be used for dismounted, vehicle-mounted, man-packed or ship-based operations.
It can be used in a broad range of military and homeland security operations, including those for tactical or special forces.
The new UAS is a portable platform that can be deployed within 15 minutes. It is suitable for small launch and recovery areas, specifically those less than 10m x 10m.
It provides real-time aerial surveillance capability with minimal acoustic and visual detection signatures. It enables concurrent line-of-sight (LOS) control of multiple UAS from the same control station, with the ability to hot-swap between them.
In addition, the UAS is compatible with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) standards STANAG 4609, 4660 and 4586.
Performance and propulsion
The Skylark I-eVTOL UAS has an endurance of 2.5 hours, a mission radius of 40km, a flight ceiling of 15,000ft above sea level and a maximum flight speed of 65kt.
It combines the endurance and range of a fixed-wing STUAS with the ability to hover, take off and land vertically.
The UAS features electric motors that eliminate the need for a launcher and parachute, enabling it to take off and land directly from marine facilities and ships.
Payload and navigation
The Skylark I-eVTOL UAS comes with dual payload capabilities. It features high-resolution, stabilised electro-optical and infrared sensors, automatic target tracking and an optional laser designator.
The UAS can be operated by a minimal crew of two and remains fully functional even in global navigation satellite system-denied environments.
It is equipped with an advanced digital encrypted data link that supports an LOS range of up to 40km.
Mission capabilities
The Skylark I-eVTOL UAS integrates seamlessly with existing command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems.
With its onboard analytical capabilities, the Skylark I-eVTOL enhances tactical operations by allowing for rapid deployment and efficient execution of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
The UAS is designed to offer integrated airborne ISTAR capabilities for lower tactical echelons and its unique features make it a force multiplier for combat units.
Skylark I-eVTOL UAS orders
In September 2023, Elbit Systems was awarded a contract to supply the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Artillery Corps with the Skylark I-eVTOL UAS.
Under the contract, Elbit Systems will replace Skylark 1 with a new system that will be integrated into the existing fleet used by IDF Ground Forces.
The contract also includes ongoing maintenance services for the IDF Ground Force’s Skylark 1 and Skylark 3 STUAS systems.
