Aeronautics Defense Systems
Aeronautics Ltd. (Hebrew: אירונאוטיקס בע"מ) (formerly NETS Integrated Avionics Systems) is an Israeli company (Registration Number: 512551425)[1] specializing in the manufacturer of Unmanned Aerial Systems in the Mini, Tactical and MALE UAS categories. Since its establishment in 1997, the company's products serve over 45 defense, military and homeland security customers on 5 continents.[2] Its headquarters are in Yavne, Israel.
Aeronautics’ senior management is made up of leading figures from Israel’s defense, financial and political sectors. The Company's CEO is Amos Mathan, who previously served as the CEO of Soltam. The Chairman of the Board Is Eitan Ben Eliyahu, a retired Major General in the Israel Defense Forces who was the Commander of the Israeli Air Force.
History
The company was founded by Zvika Nave, Moshe Caspi and Avi Leumi in 1997 as a start-up called NETS Integrated Avionics Systems. Since the beginning, Aeronautics managed to stand out both in the Israeli and the global UAS market. In 2000 the company introduced the smallest avionics system in the world which enabled the operator to control advanced UAS ground station.
Subsidiaries
Commtact Ltd: Commtact has a variety of microwave data link communications solutions – Transmitters, Receivers and Antenna Systems in a wide spectrum of frequencies band. Aeronautics Ltd. holds 100% of Commtact.
RT Ltd: one of the companies worldwide in the area of tactical aerostat systems. Aeronautics Ltd. holds 51% of RT.
CONTROP Precision Technologies Ltd: one of the World's developers and manufacturers of stabilized electro-optical payloads. Aeronautics Ltd. holds 50% of Controp.
Orion: Aeronautics Ltd. holds 100% of Orion.
Products
Unmanned aerial systems (UASs)
- Dominator MALE UAS
The Dominator UAS is a twin-engine medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) UAS based on the Diamond DA-42 aircraft. The 1800 kg (MTOW) Dominator can stay airborne for 24 hours and carry a payload of 415 kg. Introduced in 2011, Dominator serves 2 military undisclosed customers. It is as well involved in a civil UAS program in Canada operated in cooperation by Aeronautics and CAE.
- Aerostar Tactical UAS
Aerostar Tactical UAS was introduced in 2001 and operated since by some 15 customers worldwide, accumulating 130,000 operational hours (Nov. 2013). Aerostar was one of the first UAS to operate in civil missions such as an oil rigs protection program near the shores of Angola, as well as in military leasing programs in the Middle East and in Afghanistan. The 230 kg (MTOW) Aerostar can stay airborne for 12 hours, operate at the range of 250 km, and carry 50 kg of payloads.
- Orbiter 3 STUAS
The Orbiter 3 Small Tactical UAS (STUAS) is an electrically powered, field deployed UAS designed for military and homeland security missions. Operated by 3 personnel, Orbiter 3 is launched from a vehicle mounted launcher and lands using a parachute and an airbag. Weighing up to 30 kg, Orbiter 3 can fly for 7 hours up to the range of 100 km. It carries a multi sensor camera with day and night channels and a laser pointer. Due to its special structure and quiet electrical motor the Orbiter has a very low electromagnetic and aquatic signature, which makes it difficult to detect in the field of battle. Orbiter 3 is operated by 6 international military customers.
- Orbiter Mini UAS
The Orbiter Mini UAS is a compact and lightweight electrically powered system, operated by 2 soldiers. It is carried and deployed in backpacks or from a small vehicle. The Orbiter MUAS is launched from a miniature launcher and lands using a parachute and an airbag. Weighing up to 10 kg, Orbiter MUAS can fly for 4 hours up to the range of 80 km. It carries a multi sensor camera with day and night channels and a laser pointer. Due to its special structure and quiet electrical motor the Orbiter has a very low electromagnetic and aquatic signature, which makes it difficult to detect in the field of battle. Orbiter Mini UAS is operated by some 20 military, homeland security and civil customers worldwide.
Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR)
- AISR
Aerial intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance systems onboard fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.
- GISR
Aeronautics' ground ISR (GISR) solution incorporates advanced electro optical sensors, flexible and robust elevation systems and intuitive operator interfaces. Aeronautics GISR was delivered to several leading international military and HLS customers.
- Skystar surveillance aerostat
The Skystar surveillance aerostat system provides its users with an "eye in the sky" at the altitude of 300–500 meters above the ground level. Tethered to the ground, the aerostat may stay airborne for long days with very short breaks for helium refill once in every 3 days. The Skystar may identify a target at the range of over 20 km. proven in the demanding operational environment of Afghanistan, Skystar currently serves over 10 military and HLS customers worldwide.
References
External links
- Official homepage
- FRANCE24, January 30th 2014: Booming drone Business for Israel
- RT Aerostats Manufacturer
- Globes, May 12th 2014: UAV maker Aeronautics pulls out of spin
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