Aeronautics Signs Mid-Life Upgrade Contract with Finnish Defense Forces for Orbiter 2 Mini UAS Array

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) leader Aeronautics Ltd. has announced its signing of a mid-life upgrade contract with the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF) for its Orbiter 2 Mini UAS array. This contract will see Aeronautics provide the FDF with a complete mid-life upgrade package featuring a full suite of sensors, avionics, and data-processing systems to improve the performance of the system. The company will also lend the FDF its considerable expertise, allowing it to increase its level of self-sufficiency, as well as assuring maintenance and support capabilities over the course of the next decade.

The compact, versatile and combat-proven Orbiter 2 Mini UAS features enhanced flight capabilities and payloads, and is able to be rapidly deployed within any environment. The fixed-wing electric UAS possesses Group 2 ISR capabilities for defense, maritime, and HLS, rendering it suitable for a variety of defense, security, and commercial use cases.

The Orbiter 2’s first-rate ISR performance results in greater payload capacity and variety, VMD for heightened image processing capabilities and improved digital datalink, with long LOS range, relay, AES-256 and frequency hopping. The system boasts sophisticated flight control and a precision navigation system capable of operating within GPS-denied locations, as well as operational flexibility in harsh weather conditions. The compact system can be transported with ease, with quick assembly and turnaround time and a small logistics footprint. The Orbiter 2 meets airworthiness standards such as CAAI, STANAG 4671 and 4609.

“We are delighted to be reenforcing our relationship with the Finnish Defense Forces through this new contract. This mid-life upgrade of the Orbiter 2 will significantly extend its lifespan, assuring the FDF high-quality, cost-efficient, tactical ISR capabilities for the next decade.” said Aeronautics Ltd. Vice President of Marketing & Sales, Matan Perry. “The successful completion of this agreement is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated team, led by Udi Lebenstein, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Aeronautics.”

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Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.