Aeronautics Orbiter 2B UAV

Aeronautics Orbiter 2B UAV

Type: Surveillance UAV

Domain: air

Country of Origin: Finland

Manufacturer: Aeronautics Defense Systems (Israel)

Overview

Israeli-manufactured mini unmanned aerial vehicle providing tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for Finnish ground forces. The Orbiter 2B is a man-portable system with wingspan of 2.2 metres, endurance of 4-7 hours, operational radius of 60+ km, and payload capacity for electro-optical/infrared gimbal cameras and communications relay equipment. Launch via catapult or hand-throw with parachute recovery, enabling operations without runways or launch infrastructure. Weight of 9.5 kg including payload. Quiet electric propulsion provides low acoustic signature for covert surveillance. Real-time video transmission to ground control station and portable displays carried by forward observers. The system provides battalion and brigade-level commanders with organic UAV capability without requiring dedicated UAV units. Finland procured Orbiter 2B systems following successful trials, with deliveries from 2019 onwards. The UAVs have been integrated into Finnish rapid deployment forces, providing persistent surveillance capability for territorial defense operations. Particularly valuable for monitoring Finland's 1,340 km border with Russia. Operated by artillery and reconnaissance units for target acquisition and damage assessment.

Technical Specifications

Range30+ km
LaunchHand-launch
Length0.9 m
Weight7.5 kg (MTOW)
Ceiling5,000 m AGL
Payload1.2 kg (EO/IR)
Wingspan2.2 m
Endurance3+ hours
CommunicationEncrypted C2 datalink

Operators

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