Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) BlueBird Aero Systems has completed an order for 100 WanderB vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
WanderB VTOL UAV is a fully autonomous drone developed by BlueBird, while ThunderB is a small tactical UAV.
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The systems were delivered to an undisclosed European customer under a multi-million-dollar contract covering a total of more than 150 WanderB-VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL UAVs.
According to IAI, the latest milestone represents the largest number of VTOL UAVs delivered to any customer.
The order was completed within the agreed time despite ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.
IAI Military Aircraft Division EVP and general manager and BlueBird incoming board chairman Moshe Levy said: “I am excited to celebrate this important milestone. BlueBird is delivering a product providing a unique solution to the customer’s operational challenges.”
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By GlobalDataFor the past few years, BlueBird has been engaged in the development of several advanced VTOL platforms.
The WanderB VTOL UAV is aimed at providing intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) mission capability to defence, security and paramilitary forces.
Meanwhile, the ThunderB compact UAV is designed to offer long endurance and extended range capabilities similar to those offered by larger unmanned aircraft weighing 200kg.
BlueBird founder and CEO Ronen Nadir said: “BlueBird’s VTOL systems provide vital intelligence and situational awareness in real-time to the end user’s infantry, armoured units, artillery corps and special forces, serving as their ‘eye in the sky,’ effectively handling the challenged of the modern battlefield.
“The systems have been tested in extreme environmental conditions and comply with the end user’s operational needs, providing them with significate operational advantages. Once again, our leadership in cutting edge VTOL solutions is setting the stage for next-generation tactical UAVs.”
In September last year, IAI signed an agreement to acquire a 50% stake in BlueBird Aero Systems. The acquisition was recently approved by the Israeli Government.
