Canadian Warplanes 8: Elbit CU-168 Skylark micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (MUAV)

Elbit CU-168 Skylark

(Cpl. Zev Marmorstein, IDF Photo)

Canadian Forces acquired up to 10 Skylark II hand-held micro-UAVs (MUAV) in support of operations in Afghanistan in 2016. The Israeli-made MUAV is capable of autonomous operations but is normally flown by an operator. Electrically powered, this MUAV is extremely quiet. The airframe design is minimalist in concept with a sensor package slung below a tubular fuselage. The composite wings and tail section are detachable for storage and transport. Assembly is rapid and the MUAV is hand-launched into action. Canada Systems now retired and replaced by AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven. (Kestrel Publications)

The drone is lightweight and unnoticeable up above. It boasts 3 hours of flight-time while streaming a live video feed day and night.

(U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)

Skylark UAV close-up.