Elbit Systems develops Find-and-Strike control concept

Elbit Systems' SkyStriker loitering munition mounted on its rail launcher. (Elbit Systems)

Elbit Systems has developed an operating concept that provides a single point of control for its Skylark unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and SkyStriker loitering munition.

The company displayed its Find-and-Strike (FAST) Capsule concept at the DSEI 2023 defence exhibition in London. FAST is designed to enable a single operator to launch a Skylark UAV from a catapult, operate it from a ground control station (GCS), and once a target has been acquired, launch a SkyStriker from the same launcher and control it from the same GCS. According to Elbit, this will shorten the ‘sensor-to-shooter' loop.

Target information can be processed through the Skylark 3 and then sent to the common GCS, the data is then fed to the SkyStriker. Only one operator is required to perform the mission.

Speaking to Janes , Elbit Systems vice-president of marketing and business development for unmanned aircraft system (UAS), Amir Bettesh, said the FAST Capsule is being pitched to existing Skylark and SkyStriker customers. He added that Elbit has received interest from customers, some of whom are not operators of both types.

Bettesh said the development of the system has been driven by customer requirements for the cost-effective use of UAVs by reducing operator numbers, logistics footprint, and spare parts.

The FAST Capsule requires a crew of two for deployment and operation. The pneumatic launcher can be installed onto a land vehicle or naval vessel.