Israel Aerospace Industries unveils the ‘Ghost’ urban warfare UAV
30 Aug 2011
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd has unveiled its new 'Ghost' unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the AUVSI Unmanned Systems North America conference in Washington DC. The 'Ghost' is an innovative, small hovering unmanned platform that provides real-time intelligence to ground forces operating in urban areas.
According to IAI, the 'Ghost' weighs about 4 kg (9 lbs), and can be fitted with different imaging equipment and sensors, such as visible-light cameras and infrared sensors. Sensor data can be data-linked back to operators.
The 'Ghost' looks like a much smaller version of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook, twin-rotor, heavy-lift helicopter.
The UAV is equipped with an automatic vertical take-off and landing system and can hover for up to 30 minutes. The system was designed with twin rotary electrical engines so it can be silent and support day and night special operation missions.
IAI says the 'Ghost' is a unique man-machine interface and operational concept based on the principles of computer games, making the system extremely intuitive to operate and requiring little training.
The entire system can be carried in backpacks by two soldiers and includes: two platforms, batteries, and a command and control unit with communications.
The 'Ghost' is suitable for paramilitary and homeland security applications due to its simplicity and ease of operation.
IAI president and CEO Itzhak Nissan said, "The innovative concepts used to develop 'Ghost' highlight IAI's goal to do its utmost to support the ground forces. The 'Ghost' demonstrates IAI's leading technology and know-how gathered through years of experience in unmanned aerial systems."
