Elbit Systems Skylark II
Elbit Systems · Israel · first flew 2006 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Elbit Systems Skylark II is an Israeli man-portable, hand-launched tactical unmanned aerial vehicle designed for short-range reconnaissance and surveillance at the battalion level. It carries electro-optical and infrared sensors and can be operated by a two-person crew.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 3.6 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 0 (unmanned) — man-portable tactical UAV
- Hand-launched with electric pusher propeller
- 6.5 m wingspan twin-boom configuration
Identified by its twin-boom pusher configuration, straight high wing of 6.5 m span, and the sensor turret mounted under the nose; no cockpit or crew provisions are fitted.
Specifications
- The Elbit Systems Skylark II has a length of 3.6 m (12 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.5 m (21 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 120 km/h (75 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Elbit Systems as an evolution of the smaller Skylark I, the Skylark II entered service with the Israel Defense Forces and has been exported to multiple nations. It saw operational use in various conflict zones, providing real-time imagery to ground commanders.
Variants
The family includes the smaller Skylark I and the larger Skylark III; Elbit has also developed electric-propulsion variants to reduce acoustic signature.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the IDF and exported to customers in Europe, Asia, and Latin America; used extensively for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in contested environments.
Related aircraft
- Elbit Hermes 900
- Elbit Systems Hermes 90
- Elbit Systems Silver Arrow Sniper
- Elbit Systems Skylark 3
- Airbus Harfang
- Boeing X-37A Approach and Landing Test Vehicle
- EADS Barracuda
- Hydra Technologies Ehécatl
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.