The Libyan National Army (LNA) Claims to shot down two Israeli-made Orbiter-3 tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which were supposedly being operated by forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA).
Made by Aeronautics, the Orbiter-3 UAVs were reportedly gifted to the Government of National Accord by Turkey.
The two UAV’s were reportedly shot down near the town of al-ʿAziziyah south of the country’s capital, Tripoli, and over the coastal city of Sidra.
The U.N. imposed an arms embargo on Libya in 2011. Turkey is apparently bypassing this blockade by simply “donating” advanced weapons system to its allies in the GNA.
Until now i am surprised that no one ever highlighted the presence of Israeli/Azerbaijan-made Orbiter-3 UASs which was supplied to #GNA by #Turkey and two of them was downed by #LNA so far! this video is for the second downed one in #Khelat_AlFergan Southern #Tripoli. pic.twitter.com/2EAHLRLztR
— Mohamed Mansour 🇪🇬 (@Mansourtalk) August 1, 2019
The Orbitar-3, manufactured by Israel’s Aeronautics, has an endurance of around 7 hours and an operational range of up to 150km.
The UAV was specially designed to carry out close-range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
It has both day and night vision channels and also carries a three-sensor electro-optical camera with significant tactical capabilities.
The fully autonomous, highly transportable system can be assembled within a few minutes, is launched using a catapult and lands with the help of a parachute and airbag.
It has been adapted to both ground and marine environments and can carry payloads up to 5 kg. in weight, including multi-sensor stabilized electro-optic payloads carrying laser target-designation systems. The company’s latest variant has a digital datalink for operators.
The system is operated by customers all over the world, who sign an agreement not to sell the UAV to a third party.
