IAI's Ghost UAS Undergoing IDF Trials

Revealed in the eleventh issue of IsraelDefense, the rotary mini UAS is intended for combat in urban environments.

The IDF is about to begin technical and operational trials of the Ghost rotary mini-UAS in 2013.
The Ghost was developed by the MALAT Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It weighs approximately four kilograms, and was designed to provide a real-time ISR intelligence picture to combat troops operating in urban environments.

The UAS was designed, among other things, to reconnoiter ahead of forces engaged in routine security operations and transfer images of mines and other obstacles planted on the route or by the roadside. It can take off and land vertically and can automatically hover while maintaining its position and height.

The Ghost has a low acoustic signature and an endurance of about 30 minutes, and can carry a day or night surveillance payload. It was designed to support the company echelon, and can be operated by the troops on the ground and only requires a short training period.

The system, which can be carried in two backpacks by the operators, consists of two vehicles, a number of batteries and a portable computer which serves as the ground control unit. IAI intends to offer the rotary mini UAS for civilian applications as well.