Elbit Systems Silver Arrow Sniper
Elbit Systems · Israel · first flew 2001 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Silver Arrow Sniper is a small Israeli tactical unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Elbit Systems' Silver Arrow subsidiary for short-range reconnaissance and artillery observation. It is designed for rapid deployment at brigade or battalion level.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 3.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Small Israeli tactical UAV for artillery fire control and close reconnaissance
- Canister-launched or pneumatically catapult-launched small UAV
- Parachute recovery system for reuse
A small high-wing conventional UAV of similar configuration to many tactical systems of its era; distinguished from competitors primarily by its Israeli origin and specific sensor fit.
Specifications
- The Elbit Systems Silver Arrow Sniper has a length of 3.8 m (12 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 5.2 m (17 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 175 km/h (109 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed in Israel in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Sniper entered service with the IDF and has been offered for export. It is designed for ease of use by non-specialist soldiers and can be launched without an airstrip.
Variants
Several payload and sensor configurations exist; a maritime surveillance variant has been proposed.
Where you'll see it
In service with the Israel Defense Forces; limited export sales recorded.
Related aircraft
- Elbit Systems Skylark II
- Elbit Systems Hermes 450
- Elbit Hermes 900
- Elbit Systems Hermes 90
- AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven
- AeroVironment RQ-14 Dragon Eye
- MQ-9 Reaper
- Sentinel R.1
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