Singapore Airshow 2022: Elbit unveils Skylark 3 hybrid STUAS

Elbit Systems unveiled the Skylark 3 ISTAR STUAV at the Singapore Airshow 2022. (Elbit Systems)

Elbit Systems has unveiled a new variant of the Skylark 3 small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS) that is powered by a new hybrid propulsion system.

The Skylark 3 Hybrid small tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (STUAV), first revealed at the Singapore Airshow 2022 that is taking place from 15 to 18 February at the Changi Exhibition Centre, combines a battery-powered electric engine and an internal combustion engine, increasing the mission effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the system without compromising the size or weight, the company said.

“The Skylark 3 Hybrid uses its combustion engine to fly rapidly to the Area Of Interest (AOI) and switches to the electrical engine while operating above the AOI,” Elbit said. The use of two engines provides propulsion redundancy, which improves flight safety and reliability, with one engine backing up the other, it added.

The company said that the twin-engine architecture provides the UAV with higher endurance of up to 18 hours of operations – more than three times the endurance provided by the baseline Skylark 3. Because the Skylark 3 Hybrid can loiter for longer above a specific area of operation, Elbit noted that two Skylark 3 Hybrid STUASs can be assigned to the same mission simultaneously, and managed by a shared Ground Control Station (GCS).

The UAS provides intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities to armed forces at the division and brigade levels, with each UAS including two UAVs, a ground control station, and a launcher.