Orbiter 4

Orbiter 4 is a Group 3 tactical unmanned aerial system developed by Aeronautics Defense of Israel. It is a multi-mission, multi-payload platform built for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance over both land and maritime areas.

Overview

Orbiter 4 is the larger, longer-endurance member of Aeronautics' Orbiter family of tactical UAS, which also includes the smaller Orbiter 2 and Orbiter 3 and the longer-range Orbiter 5, as well as the Orbiter 1K loitering munition derived from the smaller Orbiter airframe. Aeronautics markets Orbiter 4 for single-person operation with a touchscreen ground-control interface, and the system can share a common ground segment with other Aeronautics platforms a customer already operates. The manufacturer states the airframe can be reconfigured in the field between a conventional launcher-recovered setup and a VTOL configuration.

Design and capabilities

Aeronautics states a wingspan of 5.2 m, a maximum take-off weight of 55 kg, and a payload capacity of up to 12 kg. The manufacturer's spec sheet gives a maximum endurance of more than 24 hours, a maximum speed of 70 kt (129.6 km/h), and a service ceiling of 18,000 ft (5,486 m). Independent reporting on Orbiter 4 contracts and third-party comparisons broadly track these manufacturer figures, though some older press coverage has cited a lower take-off weight and shorter wingspan for earlier production batches.

Operational history

Aeronautics has not disclosed most Orbiter 4 customers, describing contracts worth more than $50 million for various configurations without naming the buyers. Wikipedia documents the Republic of Singapore Air Force's acquisition of the Orbiter 4 under a close-range UAS programme, and lists a United States operator for the type as well.

Frequently asked questions

How long can the Orbiter 4 fly?

Aeronautics states a maximum endurance of more than 24 hours.

What payload does the Orbiter 4 carry?

Up to 12 kg, drawn from Aeronautics' range of ISR and communications-relay payloads.

Who operates the Orbiter 4?

Confirmed operators include Singapore's air force and a United States user; most of Aeronautics' Orbiter 4 customers are undisclosed.

Is there a VTOL version of the Orbiter 4?

Yes. Aeronautics offers a field-reconfigurable VTOL launch and recovery option alongside the standard catapult-launched configuration.

Who makes the Orbiter 4?

Aeronautics Defense, an Israeli unmanned-systems maker that has been part of the Rafael group since 2019.