Aeronautics Defense Orbiter

Orbiter
A Serbian Orbiter UAV
Role	Reconnaissance UAV
National origin	Israel
Manufacturer	Aeronautics Defense Systems

The Orbiter Mini UAV System Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a compact and lightweight system designed for use in Military and Homeland Security missions. It has been used with great effect in the Middle East since it was first developed. The system is used for 'Over The Hill' reconnaissance missions, Low Intensity Conflicts and Urban warfare operations as well as any close range ISTAR mission. It is manufactured by the Israeli company Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd.^[1]

According to news reports, an Orbiter Mini UAV, operated by the Mexican Federal Government, likely the Federal Police, malfunctioned on December 17, 2010. During a surveillance operation, it crossed the border into US airspace and crashed in El Paso, TX.^[2] No property was damaged, as the UAV apparently deployed a parachute during its descent. It was reported to and retrieved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Aeronautics announced in May 2015 the Orbiter 1K "Kingfisher" version with a fuselage adapted to carry a 2 kg (4.4 lb) explosive payload, turning it into a loitering munition. It can be controlled by an operator, or is capable of being given a waypoint and independently scanning the area to detect and destroy a stationary or moving target. If a target is not detected, the Orbiter 1K can return to base and land for reuse.^[3]

Operators

•  Azerbaijan - Azerbaijani Land Forces
•  Finland - Finnish Army^[4]
•  Ireland - Irish Army
•  Israel - Israeli Sea Corps^[5]
•  Mexico - Mexican Federal Police^[6][7] PEMEX^[8]
•  Peru - Peruvian Army
•  Poland - Polish Land Forces and Polish Special Forces - 11^[9]
•  Serbia - Serbian Army
•  South Africa - South African National Defence Force-
•  United States - undergoing testing
•  United Kingdom - 3 on order^[10]

References