Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd. signs $3 m contract to supply six Orbiter mini UAV systems to the Polish Army.
Following an initial sale, in early 2006, of Orbiter mini UAV systems to the Polish Special Forces, the customer's high satisfaction with the Orbiter's operational performance in Afghanistan over the past year has led to a sharp increase in Aeronautics' activities in Poland (now a member of NATO), and to the decision by the Polish Ministry of Defense to equip its other land forces with a large number of similar systems.
The Orbiter mini UAV system has emerged as the winner of a world-wide tender conducted by the Polish Ministry of Defense, in which eleven other companies, including several from Israel, participated. Out of the six companies that made it to the final stage of the tender, Aeronautics has been selected as the sole supplier of mini UAV systems.
In reference to the deal, Aeronautics CEO Mr. Avi Leumi said: "We have passed highly exacting NATO tests, and this contract is yet another affirmation of confidence from a NATO member state in the quality of the Company's R&D and products. I believe that this is the beginning of a trend, and that we will soon be signing further contracts in the European Market and in other parts of the world. Systems of this type are in high demand, and the platform we are offering is highly advanced. Its outstanding advantages include its digital data link for video and telemetry, one of the most advanced navigational systems available anywhere, a competitive price and proven high operational reliability."
The contract which has just been signed is worth about $3 million and includes the supply of six Orbiter systems, each of which includes three mini air vehicles, day and night camera payloads, portable Ground Control Stations and data links for command and video transmission.
The Orbiter mini UAV system is designed for field deployment by ground forces. The system is simple and easy to operate, thanks to a fully automatic flight control system that includes automatic launch and recovery. The Operator is required only to point the payload camera at the area of interest, and the Orbiter mini UAV automatically flies itself in order to obtain optimum video coverage of the target. It takes only two weeks training to qualify a person without previous knowledge to operate the system.
Aeronautics is now expanding its presence in the European market, with contracts also being signed with other NATO countries, and the Orbiter is already being operated successfully in Afghanistan.
The Israel Defense Forces is right now engaged in extensive tests of the Orbiter System, with a view to operational deployment.
Aeronautics, based in Yavne, Israel, specializes in the provision of comprehensive defense solutions and in the development, manufacture and operation of unmanned platforms, including air, sea and ground vehicles as well as advanced observational, security, control and defense systems, miniaturized digital, wideband data link systems and some of the most accurate and advanced navigational solutions in the World.
Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd.
