WanderB-VTOL
Israel Aerospace Industries · Israel · Updated
WanderB-VTOL is a hybrid fixed-wing, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) mini-UAV developed by BlueBird Aero Systems, part of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is built for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions that need both fixed-wing endurance and multicopter-style takeoff and landing in confined areas.
Overview
WanderB-VTOL combines a fixed-wing airframe with two tilt-rotors, letting it take off and land vertically — including on ships at sea, in forest clearings or on urban rooftops — while still cruising and gliding like a conventional fixed-wing aircraft for extended-range coverage. BlueBird markets it alongside the larger ThunderB in its VTOL product line. Morocco's armed forces ordered 150 WanderB and ThunderB VTOL aircraft from Israel in 2022, and an undisclosed European country has separately ordered aircraft from the same VTOL family.
Design and capabilities
The aircraft is 1.79 m long with a 3.1 m wingspan, a maximum take-off weight of 13 kg and a payload capacity of 1.35 kg, carried on an electric brushless motor drawing on two onboard batteries. It has a maximum endurance of 150 minutes (2.5 hours), a service ceiling of about 22,000 ft (6,706 m) and an operating speed envelope of roughly 32 to 65 knots (59 to 120 km/h). Its ground data terminal links command, telemetry and video over a communication range of 50 km, extendable to 80 km as an option. The aircraft carries a stabilised electro-optical/infrared gimbal for day-and-night video and photogrammetric mapping, and its automatic vertical landing system is designed for accurate recovery in confined spaces.
Operational history
WanderB-VTOL is in service with Morocco's armed forces following a 2022 order covering 150 WanderB and ThunderB aircraft, and with at least one undisclosed European country that placed a separate order for the same VTOL family in 2020.
Frequently asked questions
How long can the WanderB-VTOL fly?
Up to 150 minutes (2.5 hours) on its onboard batteries.
Does the WanderB-VTOL need a runway?
No. It takes off and lands vertically using two tilt-rotors, then transitions to fixed-wing flight.
What is the WanderB-VTOL's range?
Its datalink communication range is 50 km, extendable to 80 km with an optional configuration.
Who operates the WanderB-VTOL?
Morocco's armed forces, which ordered 150 WanderB and ThunderB aircraft in 2022, along with at least one undisclosed European customer.
Who makes the WanderB-VTOL?
BlueBird Aero Systems, part of Israel Aerospace Industries.
