Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) manufacturer Aeronautics Ltd has unveiled its latest loitering munition system, the Orbiter 2 LM. It says the system combines the functionality of the loitering munition with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
With an extended endurance of two hours, the system provides high mission flexibility for success in uncertain operational scenarios, particularly those characterized by targets with short time windows.
Aeronautics says its new platform offers enhanced capabilities, including long endurance, persistent surveillance, and optimal precision with low collateral damage. The Orbitor 2 LM is fully operational in GPS-denied areas and uses advanced communication that is immune to interference and encrypted for secure data transmission. The system supports full connectivity to external C4I systems.
“The integration of the Orbiter 2 LM into our Sensor-to-Shooter (STS) system empowers field forces with accurate intelligence and attack capabilities, ensuring seamless execution of multiple tasks,” said Aeronautics President and CEO Dan Slasky. “Customers who already deploy the Orbiter 2 system, can now expand their capabilities by integrating a loitering munition system that easily interfaces with the current command, control, and communication systems. The Orbiter 2 LM represents a significant advancement in tactical unmanned aerial systems, meeting the evolving needs of modern warfare.”
The Orbiter 2 STS Mission system is based on two combat-proven, fixed-wing, electric UAVs: the Orbiter 2 ISR and the Orbiter 2 LM. Both systems share a common platform, communication data link, control station and operational software.
The Sensor-to-Shooter Mission system enables enhanced mission versatility by facilitating intelligence gathering, precise target pinpointing, and battle damage assessment via the Orbiter 2 ISR, while enabling rapid target engagement with the Orbiter 2 LM.
The STS mission system offers superior performance, a fast sensor-shooter mission cycle, and operational flexibility, all within a small logistics footprint. Moreover, the system enables efficient flight training capabilities by leveraging the Orbiter 2 ISR for diverse operational scenarios. The Orbiter 2 LM and Orbiter ISR have high-resolution day and IR electro-optical payloads, onboard automatic target recognition and video motion detection for increased operational capabilities.
The Orbiter 2 LM and the Orbiter ISR are electric-powered and characterized by low acoustic, optic and RCS signatures. The system’s simplicity enables operation by a team of two personnel after only a few weeks of training.
