THOR VTOL Completed Environmental Qualifications

Elbit Systems’ THOR, a multi-rotor Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) mini UAS, successfully completed a series of environmental qualification tests. In October, 2019, Elbit was awarded a $153 million contract to provide a networked multi-layered UAS array to an army in Southeast Asia, including more than 1,000 THOR VTOL units.

The tests demonstrated the capability of THOR to maintain operability in temperatures varying from minus 40ºC up to 65ºC, withstand hard gusting rain and rough vibrations, and resist penetration and damage from blowing sand and dust. THOR VTOL mini-UAS is designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions over land and at sea.

Electrically propelled, it is capable of carrying up to three kg of payloads and has a flight duration capability of up to 75 minutes of operation, a maximal range of 10 kilometers and a flight ceiling of up to 2,000 ft. With an automatic takeoff and landing capability and autonomous mission flight, it can be used for operation in urban areas with non-line of sight communication, as well as in marine zones.

It will be delivered as part of a networked multi-layered UAS solution, including also scores of Skylark LEX, Skylark 3 and Hermes 450 tactical UAS as well as Universal Ground Control Stations.

THOR VTOL during tests of hard gusting rain
THOR VTOL during tests of hard gusting rain