IAI is partnered with Bluebird Aero Systems to offer VTOL-UAS technologies and solutions.
OVERVIEW
THUNDER B-VTOL is a unique hybrid Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) that combines the best of multirotor VTOL capability and fixed-wing aircraft design, delivering an efficient and versatile solution for extended ISTAR missions.
Low Signature Design
The aircraft maintains reduced acoustic, visual, thermal, and radar signatures as a hybrid platform. Its rotors provide vertical lift for takeoff and landing from confined areas, while the fixed-wing design and pusher propeller enable efficient forward flight. The highly efficient ICE engine extends THUNDER B-VTOL endurance up to 12 hours.
Comprehensive ISTAR Capability
The system’s primary mission encompasses Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities day and night. It offers rapid, GPS-marked, High-Definition (HD) video, photogrammetric tactical mapping on demand (TMOD), and additional intelligence-gathering assets.
HIGHLIGHTS
- VTOL – Pin-point vertical takeoff & landing in confined areas anywhere, anytime
- Exceptional Performance – Endurance up to 12 hours, communication range of up to 150 Km with a digital link and tracking antenna
- Mission Flexibility – Variety of high-performance sensors, comms & software algorithms for diverse missions
- Covert Operation – Low acoustic, visual, thermal and radar signatures
- GPS Denied Environment – Multi-layer protection against GPS Jamming for mission continuity in GPS denied environment
- Advanced Datalinks – Mission continuity even in COMJAM environment – integrated 3 communication links
- Robust System – Optimal operation in severe weather & extreme terrain
- Easy to Operate – Rapid deployment and turnaround time, small crew of two, no need for prepared area, Intuitive, mission oriented GCS
- High Reliability – Multiple system redundancies and advance field-proven avionics
- Low LCC – Low acquisition and maintenance costs
Values & Benefits
With a fully autonomous flight control system and an intuitive, mission-oriented ground control station (GCS), THUNDER B-VTOL is designed to reduce crew workload and enhance mission efficiency. Its situational awareness and intelligence-gathering capabilities leverage up to 8 kg of high-performance EO/IR payloads and advanced image processing algorithms.
Robust communication capabilities ensure mission continuity. Advanced datalinks, integrating three channels, extend the communication range to 150 km using a digital link and tracking antenna. GPS Anti-Jam protection enables operations in GPS-denied environments.
THUNDER B-VTOL is designed for rapid deployment from unprepared locations and short turnaround times. Multiple system redundancies and field-proven avionics enable reliable operation in maritime environments and under severe weather and extreme conditions. Unlike other VTOL drones, in an emergency, it can also glide to a safe landing.
