DSEI 2023: Elistair unveils Orion 2.2 TE tethered UAV

A complete Orion 2.2 TE UAS includes integrated electro-optical payloads such as the NextVision Raptor, XQT AI, and XQT LRF. (Elistair)

Elistair, a France-based manufacturer of tethered unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), announced the launch of the Orion 2.2 TE UAS at DSEI 2023, held from 12 to 15 September in London.

The Orion 2.2 TE is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and telecommunication applications in both the defence and civil domains. The UAS can also be deployed in border control, forward operating base (FOB) surveillance, and maintenance of critical communications.

The Orion 2.2 TE is an upgrade of its predecessor, the Orion 2 UAS. The Orion 2.2 TE includes new tactical functions, an expanded payload range, including a payload development kit, and a modular structure to broaden its range of capabilities. In case of an emergency, an integrated parachute can be deployed, automatically or manually, for the safe recovery of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV is characterised as being operable within a temperature range of -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F).

Speaking to Janes, Guilhem de Marliave, CEO and founder of Elistair, said the Orion 2.2 TE features IP54 ingress protection, which allows it to execute missions in austere environments. The Orion 2.2 TE has a flight endurance of up to 50 hours and is integrated with multiple ISR payloads, including the XQT LRF, which has a laser rangefinder that can display the co-ordinates and range of the target object within 3 km, Marliave added.