BlueBird Aero Systems — a leader in the design, development and production of micro, mini and small tactical UAS and peripheral equipment — announced winning a tender for the supply of SpyLite mini-UAV systems, for the Chilean Army, surpassing competing systems in both performance and price levels.

The company displayed the SpyLite Mini-UAS – as well as the micro-B micro-UAS, a unified ground control system (UGCS), and a remote video terminal (RVT) – at LAAD in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

SpyLite is a mature, advanced, combatproven, extended performance electric Mini-UAS, optimised to provide covert, “over-the-hill” or extended range real-time visual intelligence. SpyLite is unique in its ability to fly even in strong winds and on cloudy or rainy days, assuring high operational availability for over four hours and a communication range of over 50 km. The SpyLite system can be configured to backpacked, vehicle-mounted or HQ stationary configurations.

Fully autonomous, from its point of launch to its accurate parachute and airbag recovery, the system delivers autonomous ease of use and high reliability, providing a very versatile and stable ISR platform. Combining a stabilised CCD and IR payload with proprietary ground exploitation software — the SpyLite allows for GPS-marked imagery to be relayed in real time to the ground station. This capability delivers enhanced situational awareness, contributing substantially to the success of the mission.

The SpyLite system presents an ultimate solution for supporting real time video or tactical mapping on demand for open area as well as urban warfare scenarios for military, peacekeeping, low intensity conflict, security, disaster management and commercial applications.

The SpyLite system has accumulated thousands of operational flight hours in the service of several international customers, and has been in operational use by the Israeli Ministry of Defense since 2006.