No skylarking as Elbit demonstrates new UAS
Skylark 3 Hybrid high resolution, gimbaled and stabilised dual EO/IR payload system provides advanced mission capabilities to facilitate a wide range of operations. (Photo: Elbit Systems)
Elbit Systems demonstrates its dual-propulsion Skylark 3 Hybrid system at RAF Upavon on Wiltshire.
Elbit Systems has successfully demonstrated its Skylark 3 Hybrid UAS in support of the RAF’s Rapid Capabilities Office’s future concept development programme.
Unveiled in February 2022 at the Singapore Airshow, the Skylark 3 Hybrid joins Elbit’s family of UAS and its predecessor, the Skylark 3.
According to the company, not only does the system’s hybrid propulsion improve mission reliability, redundancy, safety and performance, but it also may contribute to the UK MoD’s net-zero ambition.
The Skylark 3 is a field-deployed tactical ISTAR UAS, optimised for either dismounted or vehicle-based operations. It has a 4.7m wingspan, 48kg MTOW, 120km range and a service ceiling of 12,000ft.
Its two separate propulsion systems, electric and internal combustion, combine to deliver an endurance of up to 18h.
The system uses thrust from both engines to launch and reach a certain altitude, after which only one engine is required for continued flight.
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK, said the tests represented the company’s efforts to ‘provide an environmentally responsible and energy-efficient method of maximising the Skylark’s endurance’.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Taurus KEPD 350E missile sees upgrade for German armed forces]()
Taurus KEPD 350E missile sees upgrade for German armed forces
Taurus Systems, a joint venture between MBDA Germany and Saab, was awarded a $161 million 10-year contract in January 2025 to modernise the Taurus 350 missile.
-
![India moves to address fighter jet shortfalls amid rising regional pressures]()
India moves to address fighter jet shortfalls amid rising regional pressures
Delays, dwindling squadrons and global competition spur belated momentum in airpower procurement.
-
![Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway]()
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
![Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study]()
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
![Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase]()
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
