Slovak Special Forces purchased Elbit's Skylark I-LEX
Ami Rojkes Dombe
| 20/02/2017
Photo: Elbit Systems
The Slovakian Army's 5th Special Forces Regiment has taken into service Elbit Systems' Skylark I-LEX unmanned aircraft system (UAS), according to janes.
The Zilina-based unit received two Skylark I-LE systems in late 2008, and the new system will replace those in providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to the special forces.
Although the I-LE and I-LEX platforms feature a similar design form, the latter has an extended range over the I-LE – up to 40 km as opposed to 20 km of the earlier variant.
The Skylark I-LEX UAS features three air vehicles, two color charge-coupled device day cameras, and one un-cooled bolometric night camera. It is also equipped with a laser designator and has the potential to carry a range of other payloads, such as a communications relay system. The camera units are housed in a stabilized gimbal.
The aircraft has a ceiling of 15,000 ft and an endurance of three hours, and the crew is able to control two aircraft simultaneously. The aircraft is launched by hand or a bungee device and is recovered via a belly landing with an airbag.
The system is operated by a two-person crew, and two aircraft and the control equipment can be carried in two rucksacks.
Photo: Elbit Systems
The Slovakian Army's 5th Special Forces Regiment has taken into service Elbit Systems' Skylark I-LEX unmanned aircraft system (UAS), according to janes.
The Zilina-based unit received two Skylark I-LE systems in late 2008, and the new system will replace those in providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to the special forces.
Although the I-LE and I-LEX platforms feature a similar design form, the latter has an extended range over the I-LE – up to 40 km as opposed to 20 km of the earlier variant.
The Skylark I-LEX UAS features three air vehicles, two color charge-coupled device day cameras, and one un-cooled bolometric night camera. It is also equipped with a laser designator and has the potential to carry a range of other payloads, such as a communications relay system. The camera units are housed in a stabilized gimbal.
The aircraft has a ceiling of 15,000 ft and an endurance of three hours, and the crew is able to control two aircraft simultaneously. The aircraft is launched by hand or a bungee device and is recovered via a belly landing with an airbag.
The system is operated by a two-person crew, and two aircraft and the control equipment can be carried in two rucksacks.
