Israel’s Elbit Systems recently said it has completed a series of successful tests of its Skylark I LE mini/man-pack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAS) using the Dominator command and control unit on a soldier’s vest.
During the tests, the Skylark was operated by a new lightweight Forward Ground Control Station (FGCS) that used the Dominator organic hardware, the company said in a statement.
The company’s new operational concept answers the modern battlefield’s requirement for interoperability and size, weight and power, allowing infantry forces to conduct more complex missions in different areas with improved operational flexibility, the statement said.
FGCS consists of four main components apart from the UAS, all on the soldier’s vest: the computer, tactical hand-held display, operator stick and an active Skylark Rambo transducer that fits as an additional radio into the soldier’s vest. For covert and/or on-the-move operations, an eyepiece can be used instead of the handheld display.
The FGCS allows soldiers to carry the minimum gear for optimal operational efficiency, the company said, as the UAS can be launched by dispatcher units that could transfer operational control to the forward units when the UAS reaches their area.
The lightweight ground station solution also is ideal for covert and special operations where a small hardware signature is required, the company statement said.
The Skylark I LE is operational with the Israeli Defense Force as the battalion-level UAS. The UAS is also operational with NATO and other nations.
The Dominator system is geared for unit level and individual soldiers allowing units full situational awareness through networking into integrated information systems. With the system, soldiers can send and receive information in real time, view an up to the minute common operational picture on personal displays as well as live video from external or on- body sensors and transmit images and positions back to the command post and colleagues.