Thanks to SGT Tim De La Zilwa for the following.
![](https://artilleryvic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240616_165937-1024x768.jpg)
This year 9 REGT RAA will receive its latest addition to the ever expanding fleet of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) being the Skylark Long-Endurance SUAS+ platform (pictured), introduced into service by the Israeli backed OEM Elbit Systems of Australia. The system slots in at the top of the current suite of UAS as now the largest platform used for Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR).
The Skylark is typically operated by a crew of 2, has an increased range of up to 40km (pending electronic line-of-sight), an increased flight time of up to 3 hours and can be operated up to a ceiling altitude of 5,000m AMSL. The System is comprised of a Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), Ground Data Terminal (GDT), Ground Control Station (GCS) and Ground System Equipment (GSE). It is launched via a pegged bungee cable and self-recovered using an on-board inflatable air-bag.
The Regiment has qualified its initial cohort of remote pilots over two courses which recently ran at the Puckapunyal Military Area in June and July. The Regiment is set to receive a fleet of 8 systems which will be distributed around the various Batteries with its primary use case targeted for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).