Paris Air Show 2023: Aeronautics unveils Orbiter 5 UAV
The Orbiter 5 UAV was displayed fitted with Bird Aerosystems Micro Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR) and a Controp EO/IR payload. (Janes/Olivia Savage)
Aeronautics launched its Orbiter 5 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Paris Air Show 2023.
Dan Slasky, CEO of Aeronautics, told Janes and other media representatives that the Orbiter 5 has been developed to provide medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV capabilities in a tactical system, and is intended for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
Setting up the UAV requires just one Allen key, and it is launched from a vehicle-mounted catapult system. The aircraft features an 11 hp engine from Aeronautics subsidiary Zanzottera Technologies, which produces up to 600 W and enables high-performance systems such as radars to be integrated on the platform. The UAV has a payload capacity of 25 kg, a maximum flight endurance of more than 25 hours, and an operating ceiling of 18,000 ft, Slasky said.
Flying for 25 hours or more is only possible when equipped with a maximum payload of 10 kg, he added.
The company has already received two significant orders for the Orbiter 5 and is in the process of delivering the aircraft, Slasky said. He was unable to comment on whether the system would be equipped with munitions, although he did note that a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability is in the design road map for the aircraft.
Demonstrations of the UAV are planned at the end of this year and early 2024.
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
