Aeronautics Launches New Orbiter 2 LM: Enhanced Loitering Munition for Modern Warfare

Aeronautics introduces the Orbiter 2 LM, a new loitering munition UAV offering extended endurance, high-precision targeting, and secure communication for versatile military missions.

Aeronautics, a well-known Israeli drone manufacturer, has unveiled the Orbiter 2 LM, a new addition to its line of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This advanced loitering munition system is designed for long endurance, persistent surveillance, and precision strikes with minimal collateral damage. The Orbiter 2 LM is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of military missions.

The Orbiter 2 LM combines loitering munition capabilities with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) functions. It has an impressive endurance of up to two hours, providing flexibility for missions that require rapid adaptation to changing conditions. One of its key features is the ability to operate effectively even in GPS-denied environments, thanks to its advanced, interference-resistant communication systems. These systems are encrypted to ensure secure data transmission and full connectivity with external Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems.

The Orbiter 2 LM is part of the Orbiter 2 Sensor-to-Shooter (STS) Mission System, which includes the Orbiter 2 ISR. Both UAVs share a common platform, communication data link, control station, and operational software, enabling seamless integration and mission versatility. The Orbiter 2 ISR excels in gathering intelligence, pinpointing targets, and assessing battle damage, while the Orbiter 2 LM is designed for quick target engagement.

This STS system offers a fast sensor-to-shooter mission cycle, enhancing operational flexibility and effectiveness. It also boasts a compact logistics footprint and supports efficient flight training using the Orbiter 2 ISR for various scenarios. Both the Orbiter 2 LM and Orbiter 2 ISR are equipped with high-resolution day and infrared (IR) electro-optical payloads, onboard Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), and Video Motion Detection (VMD), significantly improving their operational capabilities.

The Orbiter 2 LM and Orbiter ISR are powered by electricity, resulting in low acoustic, optical, and radar cross-section (RCS) signatures. Their simplicity in operation allows a team of just two personnel to manage the system after a few weeks of training.

Dan Slasky, President and CEO of Aeronautics, highlighted the significance of the Orbiter 2 LM in the tactical UAV domain. "Aeronautics has built a strong global reputation for addressing the rising demand for autonomous capabilities on the modern battlefield. The integration of the Orbiter 2 LM into our Sensor-to-Shooter system empowers field forces with accurate intelligence and attack capabilities, ensuring the seamless execution of multiple tasks. Customers using the Orbiter 2 system can now enhance their capabilities with a loitering munition system that easily interfaces with their existing command, control, and communication systems. The Orbiter 2 LM represents a significant advancement in tactical unmanned aerial systems, meeting the evolving needs of modern warfare."

In summary, the Orbiter 2 LM by Aeronautics is a state-of-the-art loitering munition system that enhances military operational flexibility, precision, and efficiency, making it a valuable asset in modern combat scenarios.