Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will present the GHOST, an innovative, small hovering unmanned platform at AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems North America , August 16-19, in Washington, DC.

GHOST weighs approximately 4 kg (9 lbs), and provides real-time intelligence to ground forces operating in urban areas. GHOST is equipped with an automatic vertical takeoff & landing system and can loiter 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.

The unique man-machine interface and operational concept is based on the principles of computer games and makes the system extremely intuitive to operate and requires 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. GHOST is suitable for paramilitary and homeland security applications due to its simplicity and ease of operation.

Itzhak Nissan, IAI’s President & CEO said: “The innovative concepts used to develop GHOST highlight IAI’s goal to do its utmost to support the ground forces. GHOST demonstrates IAI’s leading technology and know-how gathered through years of experience in unmanned aerial systems.”

GHOST will be on display at Booth 713 – Stark Aerospace, a subsidiary of IAI North America. Other UAVs on display will include the ETOP (Electric Tethered Observation Platform) and the HERON UAS. Heron recently reached full operational capability as part of the German Air Force’s activities in Afghanistan.

About Israel Aerospace Industries: Israel Aerospace Industries is one of Israel’s leading technological-industrial companies with around 16,000 employees, generates annual sales of approximately US$3.3 billion. The Company has gained worldwide recognition as the leader in the development of aviation and aerospace technology in the military and civilian markets alike

IAI provides Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and its foreign customers with unique, high-quality technological solutions that meet a wide range of needs on the ground, in the sea, in the air, in space and in the field of homeland security. The Company is a world leader in a wide range of advanced technologies, including development, production, renovation, upgrading, repair and maintenance of aircraft, missiles, launchers, communications satellites, observation satellites and ground services, electronic systems, avionics systems, advanced radar, precision-guided munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles.

IAI/Malat Division is one of the world’s most experienced unmanned air vehicle system manufacturers. With more than 900,000 UAV flight hours and 35 years of operational experience by 48 customers and more than 30 years of operational experience in system development, integration, manufacturing, providing integrated logistics support, depot maintenance and technical assistance to fielded operational systems. Through extensive international teaming, IAI/Malat Division manages comprehensive system development, integration and manufacturing of UAV systems that fulfil the interoperability, commonality, and connectivity requirements that users anticipate.