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Two versions of an ultra-quiet, vertical takeoff and landing unmanned surveillance aircraft built and tested in Israel will be rolled out for the public this month. The Panther family UAS, a product of Israel Aerospace Industries’ Malat division can be built with various wingspans, types of engines and electrical systems. A small wingspan sacrifices range but improves hovering and a larger wingspan does the opposite.The first version on public display at the Latrun conference in Israel Oct. 5-7 will carry three ultra-quiet electric motors, weigh 64 kg., loiter for about 6 hr. at 10,000 and at a range of up to 60 km. Its initial payload is the Mini-POP (Plug-in Optronic Payload), a day/night stabilized camera with a laser range finder and designator.The Mini Panther, weighing in at 12 kg. can loiter for about two hours and carries the Micro-POP.The first international display will be at the Association of the United States Army convention in Washington, D.C. Oct. 25-27.The design allows takeoff and landing without a runway. An automatic flight control system controls the transitions to forward flight or landing. The UAS design can offer regular batteries or fuel cells for the electric motors or more-powerful, but less-quiet fuel engines.
Tags: ar99, UAS, Israel, Panther, IAI, Malat, Surveillance