Last Update January 29, 2024

Categories

  • Aircraft, Helicopter, UAV, Spacecraft & related equipment
  • C4I, Communication Systems
  • Radar, Sonar, Navigation, Targeting, Surveillance
  • Training & Simulation

Heading an industry group focused on unmanned solutions, systems and subsystems, Aeronautics Ltd. provides integrated turnkey solutions based on unmanned systems platforms, payloads and communications for defense and civil applications.

Designed as leading-edge UAS-based solutions, Aeronautics’ systems offer operationally proven solutions for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems requirements.

As a pioneer in the field of unmanned aerial systems, Aeronautics broad product portfolio has demonstrated excellent performance and operability. Backed by continuous research and development, these systems are built on three decades of technological and operational experience.

Through its in-house capability as an UAS integrator with specialist subsidiaries and technology partners, the company offers a complete range of subsystems including air vehicles, inertial navigation and avionics, electro-optical payloads (EO), communications, propulsion systems, launch and retrieval systems, command and control units.

For the highest-level UAS personnel training, Aeronautics provides advanced simulation and image exploitation systems.

Aeronautics group headquarters are situated in Yavne, in central Israel.

https://aeronautics-sys.com/

Training

To support its customers and to guarantee smooth UAS operations, the Aeronautics Unmanned Systems Academy (known as UAV Academy) provides high-quality training programs for UAS Operators, Technicians, and Mission Commanders, based on vast operational experience and strategic knowledge.

The company's tailored training programs use highly developed and proven methodologies for trainee selection, evaluation, certification, and proficiency maintenance.

On-Job Training (OJT)

Aeronautics also offers On-Job Training (OJT) programs as well as in-depth courses for specialized topics such as video image analysis and UAS communications management.

UAV Academy trainees gain practical experience and skills by performing training missions conducted by operational units. OTJ training integrates several modes of instruction, and includes software updates training, and resources such as manuals and course materials.

Outsourcing Services

Aeronautics operates an outsourcing division for all mission control and operational services. The company's teams are experienced in deploying systems at a very short notice, at any required location.

Aeronautics made military history in 2002, as the first civilian contractor to carry out all-inclusive operational missions for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Since then Aeronautics has been outsourcing its visual intelligence (VISINT) services for field security to a number of customers, in Israel and abroad.

Field Operations

Where contractor support or ISR outsourcing is required, Aeronautics is ready to support Customers and deploy equipment worldwide. The company deploys field teams or local support agents to assist operational teams or to provide services as part of turnkey project.

Flight Demonstrations

Aeronautics maintains a range of unmanned AISR systems for flight demonstrations worldwide. Such demonstrations take place as part of marketing activities, technical evaluations, field exercises, air shows, and special events.

HLS Solution Consulting

Aeronautics supports customers with professional consulting and planning of HLS solutions. An analysis of an HLS project may include requirement reviews, site surveys, risk assessment of threats and vulnerabilities, and an analysis of technical and environmental limitations. Based on a comprehensive report, a suitable HLS system solution is recommended.

Orbiter 2

The Orbiter 2 Mini UAS is a compact, lightweight man-portable system designed for use at tactical levels. A combat-proven and reliable platform with great performance, the Orbiter 2 Mini UAS serves a variety of military missions including intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR).

Orbiter 2 Mini UAS can support full intensity warfare missions, and serve operations at low-intensity warfare, counter-insurgency and urban warfare.

Orbiter 2 Mini UAS is also successfully serving civilian missions in: HLS, border protection, and maritime surveillance. The system is operated and controlled by the Aeronautics proprietary Multi Operation Aerial Vehicle (MOAV) software, an advanced interface developed in-house.

MOAV software is designed to serve a range of UAV platforms, and is compliant with NATO interfaces such as STANAG 4609.

The digital datalink-fitted system has extended endurance of up to 4 hours; payload capacity of 1.5 kg and operational radius of 100 km. The system is fully compatible with industry standards, including STANAG 4586 (NATO) for UAS controls, and H.246 for video streaming.

Key features and capabilities:

  • Dual payloads for day/night operation
  • Camera-guided flight
  • Rapid deployment, 7-minutes to launch
  • Simple assembly, rapid turnaround
  • Electrical propulsion
  • Low silhouette, silent, covert operation
  • Automatic takeoff and recovery
  • Operational below cloud base, in harsh weather conditions
  • Long endurance, extended operational range
  • Pneumatic Catapult launch, airbag & parachute recovery
  • Mission autonomy, accurate navigation, with or without GPS or datalink
  • Control and monitoring from moving vehicles
  • Encrypted, digital datalink, frequency hopping

Orbiter 3

The Orbiter 3 Small Tactical UAS (STUAS) combines an impressive performance envelope with extended operational coverage and radically reduced logistical footprint. Orbiter 3 STUAS is designed to operate with, and support the higher tactical echelon, providing intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions with long endurance. This system can carry payloads up to 5 kg in weight, including multi-sensor stabilized EO payloads carrying laser target-designation systems.

The latest variant of the Orbiter 3 STUAS is fitted with digital datalink, extended endurance of 7 hours and operational radius of 150 km.

The system is fully compatible with industry standards, including STANAG 4586 (NATO) for UAS controls and H.246 for the video streaming.

The system is operated and controlled by the Aeronautics proprietary Multi Operation Aerial Vehicle (MOAV) software, an advanced interface developed in-house.

Key features and capabilities:

  • Highly transportable vehicle mounted system
  • Tri-sensor payloads for day, night operation under clouds
  • Unique SIGINT capabilities
  • Rapid deployment, 7- minute to launch
  • Simple assembly, rapid turnaround
  • Silent, electrical propulsion
  • Low silhouette, covert operation
  • Automatic takeoff and recovery
  • Operational below cloud base, in harsh weather conditions
  • Long endurance, extended operational range
  • Catapult launch, net landing for maritime operation
  • Mission autonomy, accurate navigation, with or without GPS or datalink
  • Control and monitoring from moving vehicles

Orbiter 1K

The Orbiter 1K MUAS is a loiter munition platform,  based on the combat proven, mature Orbiter 2 MUAS with the fuselage adapted for explosive payload.

This product is designed for military applications: intelligence; land and maritime loitering missions; Orbiter 1K is equipped with an avionics package with automatic flight control guidance.

Key features and capabilities:

  • Small target hit range
  • Payloads: Mini EO/IR payloads, incl. 1-2 kg special payload (explosive)
  • Catapult launcher for takeoff
  • Recovery: automatic parachute & airbag or net
  • Video tracker
  • RF MR (medium range) configuration for analog and digital communications

Aerostar

Aerostar Tactical UAS (TUAS), one of the most efficient and cost-effective systems of its class, and a  world-leading tactical UAV system.

To date, it has logged over 250,000 operational flight hours flying missions worldwide (operational in 4 continents). The performance and reliability of this combat-proven system are unprecedented in the UAS industry.

Aerostar TUAS is equipped with advanced, proprietary components developed in-house at Aeronautics: the flight control system (FCC) and the control software.

Key features and capabilities

  • Optimal performance-to-platform size ratio
  • Large payload bay, supporting multiple payloads
  • Highly reliable fuel-injection engine
  • Accurate GPS/INS navigation and targeting
  • Navigation in GPS denied zones
  • Extended range, supported by fully directional datalink
  • Automatic Take-Off and Landing (ATOL) capability
  • Range of programmable autonomous flight modes
  • User-friendly and intuitive control interface
  • LAN based GCS, C4I compatible
  • Built in flight & mission Simulator
  • Fast turn-around-time between sorties
  • Easy maintenance and small logistics footprint

Dominator

Dominator XP Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAS (MALE UAS) serves as a strategic asset, providing comprehensive ISR missions at ranges beyond line-of-sight. The Dominator mission system is characterized by a multiple-purpose payload such as EO, SAR, ELINT COMINT, and MIST, and by extended operation capability over long range, enabling the platform to perform a wide range of military or civilian missions, over land and sea.

Key features and capabilities:

  • Multi-sensor, multi-mission system
  • Maritime Surveillance capabilities
  • Options for internal & external payload integration
  • Datalink – LOS, BLOS – SATCOM
  • Automatic Take-Off and Landing (ATOL)
  • Easy airspace integration
  • Autonomous mission programmable flight modes
  • GPS/INS navigation, operational in denied GPS zones
  • Civilian physical appearance
  • LAN based GCS, C4I compatibl
  • Built in flight & mission Simulator

Skystar

The Skystar aerostats series includes the 180 and 300 models, providing the operator with a persistent, elevated view of an area under surveillance. The basic Skystar system consists of a tethered helium-filled balloon platform (blimp), a mission payload comprising a stabilized day/night electro-optical (EO) payload, and a tether that links the platform and payload to the ground control unit. The tether provides power and controls on uplink, and high-capacity video on downlink.

Skystar aerostats are designed for rapid deployment and mobility. They are easy to deploy (2-3 person team), operate and transport. The entire system is packed and transported in a dedicated container, using a standard trailer or truck. These cost effective systems operate under all weather conditions, day and night with small logistics requirements.

A payload-carrying Skystar can be elevated to an altitude of 1,000 ft. -1,500 ft. (300-500 m) above ground at wind velocity of up to 40 knots. Mission endurance is 3 days; a short break for re-inflation is required every 72 hours. The system is operational in temperatures: -35ºC to 60ºC. In addition to low maintenance and operation costs, both systems offer a range of customization and expansion options, according to required mission type. Skystar aerostats are developed and produced cooperatively by Aeronautics and its subsidiary company, RT.

Skystar 180
The Skystar 180 aerostat system is a small tactical, all-weather aerostat system, that is popular with military and police forces and valued for its easy and cost-effective operation and maintenance. Skystar 180  is capable of carrying the advanced tri-sensor TD-STAMP payload.

Skystar 300
The Skystar 300 aerostat system is a medium-sized tactical, all-weather aerostat system, ideal for military and homeland security operations.

Key features and capabilities:

  • Rapid transportation and deployment
  • Persistent surveillance – 24/7 presence
  • Long mission endurance (72 hours)
  • 360° stabilized observation coverage
  • Accurate location and targeting
  • Precise location of payload footprint and targets on a digital map
  • High-end, Day/Night/Laser gyro-stabilized aerostat payload
  • Interface with C4I systems
  • Full digital recording of mission video and data
  • Communications relay support
  • Fully integrated with existing C4I systems
  • Digital mission recording
  • Operational in temperatures: -35ºC to 60ºC

Manned ISR

Aeronautics offers a turnkey solution for converting a utility helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft into a high-quality aerial surveillance platform. The manned platform is based on DA42 Multi-Purpose Plane (MPP) twin-engine aircraft with an advanced airframe, avionics and engines.

The pilot console houses the front monitor, providing the pilot with real-time, high-resolution, AISR video image. The nose of the aircraft houses the EO payload. The onboard Payload Electronic Box (PEB) controls the communications and provides operating power for the STA and the control.

The onboard electronics rack contains:

  • Payload Electronic Box (PEB)
  • Mission Control Computer (MCC)
  • Navigation Control Unit (NCU)
  • Aerial Data Terminal (ADT)
  • Video Splitter, VGA Splitter
  • Recorder and Audio Interface Box
  • DC to DC converter 28V to 12V
  • S-Band and GPS antennas
  • Stabilized Turret Assembly (STA): a gimbal system, observation FLIR/ CCD cameras, and Laser Pointer

Ground components:

  • Ground Control
  • Ground Data Terminal (GDT)
  • Remote Video Terminal : RVT II
  • Ground control and RVT harnesses

Defense

C4ISTAR
Aeronautics generic C4ISTAR architecture developed in-house is the core of comprehensive command and control ISTAR systems for today’s network-centric operations. Implemented worldwide across multiple systems, the company's operationally proven, multi-sensor, multi-platform integrated solutions enable securing land borders, coasts, and maritime domains. Aeronautics C4ISTAR solutions comprise avionics and navigation controls, real-time command and control software, and advanced high-capacity datalinks. Aeronautics C4ISTAR provide advanced information-processing capabilities required to support mission-critical decision-making, and to control multiple processes that implement military, security and first responders’ personnel, and assets.

Airborne ISR (AISR)
Unmanned aerial platforms carrying multiple sensor payloads are providing users with strategic airborne ISR capabilities, supporting both stand-in and stand-off missions. Aeronautics’ UAS cover areas of interest from different altitudes, utilizing combat proven platforms such as the Aerostar and Dominator XP.

Tactical Airborne ISR (AISR)
Aeronautics offers a wide range of unmanned aerial platforms designed for the Tactical Airborne ISR mission. These include the Aerostar and Orbiter 3LE, capable of long endurance missions at medium and low altitude, to Orbiter 3 and 2B, designed for low-altitude reconnaissance with minimum acoustic and visual signature. All platforms can operate high performance, high resolution EO payloads. Aerostar and Orbiter 3 can also operate COMINT / SAR augmenting the mission with wide area coverage.

Persistent wide-area surveillance (PWAS)
Harnessing multiple payloads carried on UAVs capable of long endurance missions, with and multi-platform control, Aeronautics’ UAS provide efficient solutions for persistent surveillance over wide areas, for military and security applications.

Counter-Terrorism
Aeronautics’ systems are particularly suitable for counter terrorist missions, covert missions, enabling direct support and control of imagery sensors by special-forces, using small and ultra-quiet tactical UAS platforms carrying high performance EO/IR payloads, transmitting real-time imagery directly to the users via real-time video links. As a tactical system, the Orbiter can be operated by special-forces for many hours, providing maximum flexibility with minimal exposure.

Force Protection
Aeronautics’ systems are operating providing lifesaving surveillance for ground units deployed in areas where high threats persist. Escorting ground unit’s movement, providing surveillance of advance routes, in search of IEDs, using change detection, maintaining persistent coverage of suspected activities. Aeronautics’ small UAS such as the Orbiter 2 can easily operate from forward bases or controlled from moving vehicles. Loitering weapons such as the Orbiter 1K can also act upon intelligence gathered on such missions, engaging targets posing a direct threat to the supported force.

Artillery Target Acquisition & Fire Direction
Aeronautics designs AISR-based solutions to support long-range artillery fire and precision-guided weapons, by providing real-time target acquisition delivered by UAS operating deep inside the enemy area. Electrically powered drones such as the Orbiter Mini UAV benefit these high-risk, covert missions. Rapid deployment, real-time imaging, accurate geo-location, stealth capabilities, and high persistence make our artillery support AISR the choice solution.

Home Land Security

Aeronautics provides comprehensive and cost-effective turnkey packages for homeland security (HLS) applications. These are unique tailored solutions for force protection and tactical intelligence gathering. Such programs include assessment and planning, provisions for sensors, command and control, display systems, integration and implementation. The company's experts offer considerable experience with large-scale sensitive HLS projects in Israel and abroad, among them systems delivered to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Air Force (IAF), and US Navy.

HLS solutions characteristics are:

  • Combined systems with centralized control for multi-layered protection: UAV & aerostat & C4I & Radar
  • Synergy of detecting and investigating sensors; information fusion and analysis to C41 center
  • Operational on difficult terrain and in harsh weather
  • Open architecture for connectivity and growth options
  • Full redundancy and backup

To ensure that HLS solutions or Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS) applications accurately respond to specific requirements, Aeronautics's security and intelligence consultants conduct a deep on-site survey, including risk assessments of threats, vulnerabilities, technical and environmental limitations that could affect future systems. Based on survey report, an HLS solution is integrated and implemented.

Environmental Monitoring
Aeronautics has years of experience using UAV platforms as environmental detection and monitoring tools for radiation detection, air pollution monitoring and other potential dangers, during missions less suitable for flying manned aircraft.

Aerial, Maritime, Coastal and Border Security
Aeronautics offers operationally proven solutions for coastal, maritime, and EEZ security, using unmanned systems, coastal-based command and control centers, and naval assets. The border protection solution was selected by the Canadian army as solution for the protection of Canadian FOBs (Forward Operational Bases) in Afghanistan.

Grid Infrastructures and Strategic Facilities Protection

  • Aeronautics pioneered use of unmanned systems for surveillance of land and offshore oil & gas infrastructures
  • Surface, air and underwater monitoring large-perimeter areas around isolated sites such as oil rigs, or along pipelines
  • Combined systems with centralized control for multi-layered protection: UAV & aerostat & VISINT sensors &C2I & Radar
  • Dynamic ISAR

Pipeline Monitoring, Oil & Gas Security
Aeronautics has pioneered the use of unmanned systems for on-land and offshore oil & gas infrastructures. The company offers comprehensive services for the security of energy facilities and infrastructure, where UAVs are efficiently used for monitoring large-perimeter areas around isolated sites, or pipelines stretching thousands of miles.

Civil and Commercial Applications

The commercial use of Unmanned Aerial Systems has been limited to date, mainly because of concerns over the safety of flying unmanned aircraft in civilian airspace and overcrowded urban areas. Aeronautics is confident that these concerns are being addressed and that a promising future means dynamic growth market for non-military UAV uses. The company is already operating several commercial UAV projects for civil applications.

Aeronautics' UAS and aerostat systems support applications such as:

  • Open mine surveys and security
  • Mineral exploration
  • Aerial photogrammetry & photography
  • Infrastructure monitoring and security
  • Environmental safety (pollution, fires, floods etc.) monitoring
  • Forestry and precision agriculture
  • Law enforcement
  • Mega-event safety

Environmental Safety
Aeronautics offers powerful UAV platforms, utilizing combined air/land/maritime systems, for detection and monitoring in applications such as: environmental safety (radiation detection, air pollution monitoring, forest fires prevention), and advanced wildlife protection and conservation.

Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd.

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