Hybrid UAV Completes Demonstration for Royal Air Force 

Elbit Systems UK’s new Skylark 3 Hybrid UAV delivers up to 18 hours of endurance and represents the company’s contribution towards helping the UK Ministry of Defense achieve its net-zero ambitions By DA Staff / 13 Apr 2022

Military UAS

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 5 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
elbit-skylark
Follow DA

Elbit Systems UK has completed a series of demonstrations of its Skylark 3 Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at RAF Upavon in Wiltshire in support of the Royal Air Force (RAF)’s Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) future concept development program.

The Skylark 3 Hybrid is the latest in Elbit Systems’ Skylark family of UAVs and represents the company’s contribution towards helping the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) explore ways of meeting its net-zero ambitions. 

The Skylark 3 Hybrid is a field-deployed tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) UAV, optimized for either dismounted or vehicle-based operation, and combines two separate propulsion systems to deliver endurance of up to 18 hours. It uses thrust from both engines to launch and reach a certain altitude, at which only one engine is required for sustained flight.

The trials were conducted in order for the RAF to assess the system’s performance in a number of criteria as part of the selection of vehicles for the next phase of its programmed activity. The trials were delivered in co-operation with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in order to obtain clearance to operate in civil airspace.

“Elbit Systems UK has extensive experience in delivering best-in-class UAV solutions, and these trials highlight that pedigree,” said Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK. “The successful demonstration of the Skylark 3 Hybrid is indicative of our drive to support the RAF in realizing its ambitions for future capabilities, and to provide an environmentally responsible and energy-efficient method of maximizing the Skylark’s endurance.”

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Meltio Expands Additive Manufacturing Distribution Network in Portugal

Meltio has announced a new strategic partnership with PrimeOut to expand its presence in Portugal’s metal additive manufacturing market

May 02, 2025
New Mobile Troposcatter Technology Supports GPS Denied Operations

Spectra Group is set to unveil a mobile troposcatter solution enhancing Comtech’s COMET system, delivering high-bandwidth, satellite-independent communications in contested and GPS-denied environments

May 02, 2025
Micropol Expands Tactical Communications Capabilities with New Production Facility

Micropol Fiberoptic is expanding its tactical communications capabilities with a new high-capacity production facility strategically located along Sweden’s E6 highway in Halmstad

May 02, 2025
ALE: Secure Battery Solutions for DoD & Aerospace Systems

American Lithium Energy (ALE) is a trusted provider of secure, high-performance batteries, delivering essential power solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and other high-demand sectors

May 02, 2025
Partnership to Enhance Networking Capabilities for Defense Platforms

Amphenol Aerospace and BotBlox have partnered to distribute and integrate compact, rugged Ethernet hardware for defense platforms, enhancing networking capabilities and accelerating product development for uncrewed and mobile systems

May 01, 2025
USMC Receives Extended Range MQ-9A Reaper® from GA-ASI

The U.S. Marine Corps has received a technologically advanced MQ-9A Reaper® UAS from GA-ASI, featuring wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear for extended 30+ hour endurance

May 01, 2025

Featured Content

Sky Power to Showcase ISR UAV Propulsion Technology at XPONENTIAL 2025

Sky Power International will present advanced UAV propulsion technologies at XPONENTIAL 2025, highlighting powerful engines, hybrid systems, and customized solutions for ISR and civilian applications

Apr 29, 2025
Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.