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2021-07-07

BlueBird Aero Systems Completes Delivery of 100 VTOL UAVs

BlueBird Aero Systems, partially owned by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), recently completed the delivery of 100 WanderB-VTOL UAVs to a European customer. The Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAVs are part of a transaction involving over 150 WanderB-VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL UAVs worth tens of millions of U.S. dollars. This is reportedly the world’s largest number of VTOL UAVs delivered to any customer at one time and was completed within the agreed timetable despite challenges posed by COVID-19.

The transaction reflects a globally emerging trend of VTOL UAVs, which provide important benefits for land and maritime applications as they combine the advantages of a fixed wing UAV (long range, long endurance, high speed, wind independency, large area coverage, etc.) with the advantages of a multi-copter (ability to take off and land in confined areas, accurate, safe, and damage-free landing, etc.). IAI’s 50 per cent acquisition of BlueBird Aero Systems, which was recently approved by Israel’s government, is tapping into the potential of this emerging trend.

Over the past few years, BlueBird has developed several advanced VTOL platforms. The asset and capability combination of IAI and BlueBird is expected to yield additional breakthrough operational solutions on the market.

IAI EVP and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Division and incoming Chairman of the Board at BlueBird, Moshe Levy said: “I am excited to celebrate this important milestone. BlueBird is delivering a product providing a unique solution to the customer’s operational challenges. I am confident BlueBird with IAI’s collaboration will yield future transactions and lead to the development of more sophisticated tactical VTOL UAV systems.”

BlueBird’s Founder and CEO, Ronen Nadir, added: “BlueBird’s VTOL systems provide vital intelligence and situational awareness in real-time to the end-user’s infantry, armoured units, artillery corps and special forces, serving as their ‘eye in the sky,’ effectively handling the challenged of the modern battlefield.

“The systems have been tested in extreme environmental conditions and comply with the end user’s operational needs, providing them with significate operational advantages. Once again, our leadership in cutting-edge VTOL solutions, is setting the stage for next generation tactical UAVs.”

IAI is a world-leading aerospace and defence company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in space, air, land, naval, cyber and homeland security for defence and commercial markets. Combining the “Start-up Nation” spirit of innovation with decades of combat-proven experience, IAI provides customers with tailor-made, cutting-edge solutions to the unique challenges they face including satellites, UAVs, missiles, intelligence solutions, weapon systems, air defense systems, robotic systems, radars, business jets, aerostructures, and more.

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