ThunderB-VTOL

ThunderB-VTOL is a hybrid fixed-wing, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) tactical UAS developed by BlueBird Aero Systems, part of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is the larger member of BlueBird's VTOL product line alongside the smaller WanderB-VTOL, combining a fixed-wing airframe's endurance with a multicopter's ability to take off and land in confined spaces.

Overview

ThunderB-VTOL pairs tilt-rotors for vertical take-off and landing with a conventional piston engine for forward flight, letting it operate from ships at sea, forest clearings or urban rooftops without a runway while still covering long-range, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Morocco's armed forces ordered 150 WanderB and ThunderB VTOL aircraft from BlueBird in 2022, and Colombia's National Police agreed the same year to field an initial three ThunderB VTOL units to replace BlueBird SpyLite drones that had been in service since 2015.

Design and capabilities

BlueBird's own ThunderB VTOL brochure gives a maximum take-off weight of 45 kg and a payload of up to 8 kg, drawn from a modular bay that can carry stabilised electro-optical and infrared gimbals; separate BlueBird-linked material describes a larger 40 kg modular payload option, a discrepancy to confirm against the current datasheet. The brochure states a maximum endurance of up to 12 hours, a communication range of up to 150 km using a digital link and tracking antenna, and a top speed of 120 km/h (65 kt). The aircraft is built for dual redundant datalinks and GPS anti-jamming to keep working in contested electronic environments.

Operational history

ThunderB-VTOL is in service with Morocco's armed forces, part of a 2022 order covering 150 WanderB and ThunderB VTOL aircraft, and with Colombia's National Police, which agreed in 2022 to field an initial three units for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance work.

Frequently asked questions

How long can the ThunderB-VTOL fly?

BlueBird states a maximum endurance of up to 12 hours.

Does the ThunderB-VTOL need a runway?

No. It takes off and lands vertically on tilt-rotors, then transitions to fixed-wing flight on a piston engine.

What is the ThunderB-VTOL's range?

BlueBird states a communication range of up to 150 km using a digital datalink and tracking antenna.

Who operates the ThunderB-VTOL?

Morocco's armed forces, part of a 2022 order for 150 WanderB and ThunderB VTOL aircraft, and Colombia's National Police, which is fielding an initial three units.

Who makes the ThunderB-VTOL?

BlueBird Aero Systems, part of Israel Aerospace Industries, which also builds the smaller WanderB-VTOL.