The IDF is currently in the process of incorporating the Skylark 20 miniature tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, and intends to make it available to commanders on the brigade level. The Skylark 20, manufactured by Elbit Sytems, is the next generation of the Skylark 10, which has been available to battalion commanders. The upgraded model, earmarked for use by brigade commanders, is capable of staying in the air longer with longer range and can operate in difficult weather conditions. Unlike the previous model of the Skylark, which was capable of staying in the air for just two hours at a range of 20 kilometers (12 miles), the Skylark 20, designed for brigade commanders, has twice the range and can fly for six hours. At this time, the IDF has acquired three Skylark 20 systems, which will likely become operational toward the end 2016 and the beginning of 2017. The IDF plans to acquire additional Skylark 20 systems in the future. "The Skylark 20 can work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without the need to stop and refresh the operating crew or replace the aircraft," Maj. Shlomi Buskila, head of GOC Army Headquarters' Tactical UAV Division, told Israel Hayom. According to Buskila, "The brigade commander will always have an aircraft in the air, the quality of his view [of the battlefield] will be higher and the aircraft's reliability will be better. There is a platform here; or an organic multipurpose UAV on the brigade level, with advanced capabilities to gather intelligence and direct fire. It operates continuously and independently, and represents a part of the [IDF Artillery Corps] operational 'Sky Rider' deployment during routine duty, in emergencies or in wartime." The new UAV is currently undergoing final test flights, and the belief is that this coming November the first aircraft will be integrated into operational duty. Dozens of IDF battalions currently use the Skylark 10, which allows commanders to "see beyond the hill." Because brigade commanders have not had a similar battlefield tool, battalions often share their Skylark 10, which has led to situations in which some battalion commanders do not have access to a UAV.
IDF introduces Skylark 20 tactical UAV for brigade commanders
"The brigade commander will always have a plane in the air, the quality of his view [of the battlefield] will be higher and the aircraft's reliability will be better," officer says • Skylark 20 can stay in the air longer, has longer range than Skylark 10.
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