Orbiter 5

Orbiter 5 is a tactical unmanned aerial system developed by Aeronautics Defense of Israel, launched at the Paris Air Show on 21 June 2023 as the largest aircraft in the company's Orbiter family, positioned to deliver medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) mission capability in a tactical-sized airframe.

Overview

Aeronautics designed Orbiter 5 to close the gap between small tactical UAS and larger MALE platforms, combining a catapult-launched, vehicle-transportable system with endurance and payload figures that approach those of much larger aircraft. Janes reported that, as of the Paris Air Show unveiling, Aeronautics had already received two significant orders and was delivering aircraft, with further customer demonstrations planned for late 2023 and early 2024. The company's product roadmap includes a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) variant, and chief executive Dan Slasky declined to say whether the aircraft would be adapted to carry munitions.

Orbiter 5 sits above the smaller Orbiter 3 and Orbiter 4 in Aeronautics' tactical fixed-wing UAS line, alongside the company's larger Dominator medium-altitude platform and its long-established Aerostar tactical UAV.

Design and capabilities

Aeronautics' published specifications give Orbiter 5 a near all-wing airframe with a 6.4 m wingspan and a 2 m length, a maximum take-off weight of 75 kg, and a maximum payload capacity of 25 kg, which the manufacturer says can be split across two payloads flown simultaneously. Janes quoted Slasky saying the more-than-25-hour maximum endurance figure is only achievable with a reduced payload of up to 10 kg, rather than with the full 25 kg payload carried at once — so the headline endurance and payload figures each describe a separate configuration rather than performance achieved together. The manufacturer states a maximum speed of about 70 kt (130 km/h) and an operating ceiling of 18,000 ft (about 5,486 m).

Power comes from an 11 hp dual-ignition piston engine supplied by Aeronautics subsidiary Zanzottera Technologies, which also provides up to 600 W of electrical power for mission systems such as radars. Shephard Media reports the aircraft carries dual avionics for redundancy. Janes describes the launch method as a vehicle-mounted catapult, with aircraft setup requiring only a single Allen key. At its Paris Air Show debut, Aeronautics displayed the type carrying a Bird Aerosystems Micro Maritime Patrol Radar alongside a Controp electro-optical/infrared payload.

Operational history

Janes reported in 2023 that Aeronautics had received two significant orders for Orbiter 5 and was already delivering aircraft, though the report does not name the customers. No specific operator has been identified in the sources used here.

Frequently asked questions

What is the endurance of Orbiter 5?

Aeronautics states more than 25 hours, achievable with a reduced payload of up to 10 kg rather than the full 25 kg maximum payload.

How much can Orbiter 5 carry?

Its maximum payload capacity is 25 kg, which the manufacturer says can be split across two payloads carried at once.

How is Orbiter 5 launched?

From a vehicle-mounted catapult, according to Janes, with aircraft setup requiring only a single Allen key.

Who makes Orbiter 5?

Aeronautics Defense, an Israeli unmanned-systems manufacturer, as the largest aircraft in its Orbiter family.

Is Orbiter 5 armed?

Aeronautics has not confirmed a weaponised variant; at its 2023 launch, CEO Dan Slasky declined to say whether the aircraft would carry munitions.