Elbit Systems has announced that it completed a series of successful tests of its Skylark I LE mini/man-pack UAS using the Dominator hardware to control and operate the UAS. During the tests, the Skylark was operated by a new cutting edge lightweight Forward Ground Control Station (FGCS) which utilizes the Dominator organic hardware solution.

This new operational concept answers the modern battlefield's requirements for interoperability and SWAP (Size Weight and Power), enabling infantry forces to execute more complex missions in diverse arenas while offering enhanced operational flexibility.

Reducing more than 15kg of the contemporary Skylark ground control system, the FGCS is comprised of four main components aside from the UAS, all of which are geared on the soldier's vest: FGCS computer (PDU), 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 hand-held display.

The FGCS allows dismounted soldiers to carry minimum gear for optimal operational efficiency, as the UAS can be launched by Dispatcher Units, transferring control of the operation to the Forward Units when the UAS reaches their range. Offering a new operational concept, this new lightweight ground station solution is ideal for covert and special operations where a small hardware signature is required.

The tests confirmed the usability of the new hardware configuration and the preservation of all unique Skylark highly autonomous operation to the required mission range. Skylark I LE is an enhancement of Skylark I and is a high performance mini/ man-pack UAS, ideal for lower echelons self support reconnaissance close range beyond-the-next-hill missions. The system features exceptionally quiet

Skylark I LE is operational with the IDF as the Ground Forces' battalion-level UAS. Skylark I and I LE are also operational with Australia, France and other armed forces in several NATO and other countries, some of which have operated the UAS successfully in various war zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Geared for the unit level and individual soldier, Dominator enables forces to dominate the field by empowering infantry units with full situational awareness through networking into integrated information systems. Dominator incorporates Elbit Systems' C4I software solutions for the infantry user (C4I SW), based on C4I infrastructures for tactical forces.

Outfitted with the Dominator land warriors 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 either external or on-body sensors and transmit images and positions back to the command post and colleagues.

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Innocon signs contract for 50 MicroFalcon Systems
Tel Aviv, Israel (SPX) Jun 17, 2011 - Innocon signed a contract for the supply of 50 MicroFalcon systems to an Asian country. Michael Armon, Innocon's CEO, says: "We are happy to announce the signature of this contract."

He goes on, "This is a vote of confidence in Innocon's MicroFalcon UAV system, which is designed for close range low altitude surveillance missions".

The MicroFalcon System is a high performance, small unmanned aerial system, which is designed to be activated by one operator in extreme weather, and under the most demanding conditions.

This light weight, 6kg UAS operates at an altitude of 15,000 feet and stays airborne for 2 hours day or night.

Remarkably rugged, with boxed type wings, the Micro Falcon can land upside down using a parachute thereby increasing survivability and cutting down on redeployment time cycle.

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