Tactical small UAV system providing battalion and brigade-level reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition capability. The Skylark 3 is the largest member of Elbit's Skylark family (which includes the hand-launched Skylark 1 and 2), featuring a 5.8-metre wingspan, endurance of 6 hours, operational range of 80 km, and maximum altitude of 18,000 feet. Powered by an electric motor for minimal acoustic and thermal signature. Payload includes a stabilised EO/IR gimbal with continuous zoom and laser pointer for target designation. Launched from a vehicle-mounted pneumatic launcher and recovered via deep stall or parachute. The system includes a ground control station, data terminal, and automatic takeoff/landing capability. The Skylark family has been one of the most successful small tactical UAV programmes globally, with the IDF and numerous export customers relying on it for real-time tactical intelligence at the small unit level.
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- Long endurance for a man-portable system
- Silent electric motor; difficult to detect from ground
- Real-time HD video and IR imagery to ground station
- Quick launch (10 minutes setup) by 2-person team
- No armed capability; ISR only
- Vulnerable to electronic jamming
- Small payload limits sensor quality vs. larger UAVs
- Wind-sensitive due to light weight
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