Elbit Systems’ THOR VTOL Mini-UAS Passes Rigorous Environmental Tests Ahead of Major Southeast Asia Deployment

Elbit Systems Ltd., an international high-technology defense company based in Haifa, Israel, announced on August 16, 2020, that its THOR multi-rotor Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) mini Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) has successfully completed a comprehensive series of environmental qualification tests. These tests were conducted in preparation for the delivery of over 1,000 THOR VTOL mini-UAS units to an army in Southeast Asia, pursuant to a contract valued at $153 million announced in October 2019.

The environmental qualification process assessed the THOR VTOL mini-UAS’s ability to operate reliably under a broad spectrum of extreme environmental conditions. The tests were designed to meet the physical stress requirements outlined in the U.S. military standard MIL-STD-810, which governs environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests.

Specifically, the THOR demonstrated operational capability in temperature ranges from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 65 degrees Celsius. It also withstood severe gusting rain, intense vibrations, and resisted penetration and damage from blowing sand and dust. These results confirm the drone’s robustness and suitability for deployment in challenging operational theaters.

Designed primarily for surveillance and reconnaissance missions over both land and maritime environments, the electrically propelled THOR VTOL mini-UAS can carry payloads weighing up to three kilograms. It offers a flight duration of up to 75 minutes, a maximum operational range of 10 kilometers, and can reach flight ceilings of up to 2,000 feet.

Elbit Systems operates globally across multiple defense and homeland security domains, including aerospace, land and naval systems, command and control, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electronic warfare suites, signal intelligence, data links, cyber systems, and munitions. The company also focuses on upgrading existing platforms and developing new technologies for defense and commercial applications, complemented by training and simulation services.

The successful completion of these environmental tests marks a critical milestone ahead of the large-scale delivery of the THOR VTOL mini-UAS fleet to the Southeast Asian customer, reinforcing Elbit Systems’ position as a leading supplier of advanced unmanned systems.

Elbit Systems cautions that forward-looking statements contained in its communications are subject to risks and uncertainties, including changes in customer contracts, governmental regulations, market conditions, and other factors detailed in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any obligation to update such statements.

For further information, Elbit Systems directs interested parties to its official website and social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

This announcement underscores Elbit Systems’ ongoing commitment to delivering resilient, high-performance unmanned aerial solutions tailored to demanding operational requirements worldwide.