RAFAEL Introduces Helicopter Launched Mini-UAV

RAFAEL is adding a dramatic new capability to attack helicopters – the ability to launch mini-UAVs when airborne. The company is demonstrating this capability on their attack helicopter simulator (Helicoat). “The Skylite was originally developed as a canister launched mini-UAV, so its modification into a helicopter-borne system does not require drastic redesign” says Menachem Dvir from RAFAEL. The canister-launched Skylite is displayed loaded on a quad Spike launcher, identical to a launcher already cleared for helicopters such as the Spanish Tiger attack helicopter. “When on a mission, helicopters can deploy the Skylite to scan an without exposing themselves to anti-aircraft threats, such as shoulder fired missiles (MANPADS) and RPGs. When targets are detected, Skylite hands over the images to the crew, for prosecution with precision guided weapons such as Spike ER. Attack helicopters are already using UAVs to facilitate accelerated ‘kill chains’. Therefore, offering such capability as an integral capability is the next logical step” said Dvir.

Comments

[Tamir Eshel]

In fact, RAFAEL claims that the helicopter launched UAV could cost half the price of a missile and is 'optionally retrievable' depending on the operational scenario. Since the UAV is autonomous in flight, using primarily 'camera guide' control when committed to a specific target area, the workload could be similar to that associated with current UAV-Helicopter missions.

[Marcase]

Very nice.
An organic UAV would certainly dramatically increase the capability of any helicopter, whether in attack or observation roles, especially with the harsh reality of urban warfare. Just hope it wouldn't overcrowd the already busy flight-crew. I suppose this would be a "one-shot" system, so I wonder if it is cheaper or more expensive than using a conventional (read: larger, heavier) re-usable UAV...

Greetings.