Paris Air Show 2023: BlueBird Aero Systems Unveils New SpyX Loitering Munitions System
Israel has added a new loitering munition to its arsenal. On the first day of the Paris Air Show, BlueBird Aero Systems, a partner of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), unveiled the new loitering munition system SpyX. The unveiling of the SpyX Loitering munition was attended by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, Director General of the Ministry of Defense Major General (Ret.) Eyal Zamir, and SIBAT BG President (Res.) Yair Kulas. According to BlueBird Aero Systems, this groundbreaking technology represents an important milestone in the evolution of UAV systems and ushers in a new era of precision and efficiency to the battlefield at a very affordable price.
“SpyX is a game-changer in the field of military UAV platforms,” said Ronen Nadir, CEO of BlueBird Aero Systems. “We are proud to introduce this advanced system that combines innovative technology with unmatched versatility and cost-effectiveness. SpyX not only enhances situational awareness and enables precision and effective strikes, but also revolutionizes tactical battlefield superiority through its tight integration with our VTOL ISR UASs. It is a testament to our commitment to provide our customers with cutting-edge solutions that meet their evolving needs of tactical military operations.”
The SpyX is a disposable electric drone designed for reconnaissance and strike missions, according to BlueBird Aero Systems. This loitering munition, in addition to a stabilized dual-sensor payload mounted to increase target detection capabilities, is equipped with an advanced video tracker that enables an autonomous and accurate electro-optical guided attack on the target. The vehicle has a circular error probability (CEP) of less than 1 meter and can be equipped with anti-personnel, anti-vehicle, or anti-tank warheads weighing 2.5 kg against various types of targets. The SpyX, weighing only 10 kg, can be easily transported and operated by a team of two soldiers.
The SpyX can loiter for up to 1.5 hours with a communication range of up to 50 kilometers and perform precision strikes by utilizing its dual-sensor day / thermal sensor to lock on to the target or on predefined coordinates. Upon receiving an attack command, the UAV will automatically approach the target and initiate an attack maneuver, increasing speed to over 250 km/h (70m/s). If necessary, the operator can adjust the target’s estimated hit point by moving the crosshair mark or abort the attack and continue the mission. In addition, SpyX can perform joint reconnaissance and target acquisition by integrating with WanderB-VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL ISR UAVs also developed by BlueBird.