June 15, 2021- BlueBird Aero Systems, partially owned (50% of shares) by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), 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 dollars (USD). This is the world's largest number of VTOL UAVs delivered to any customer at one time, and was completed within the agreed timetable despite COVID-19 conditions.
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% 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 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: “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: ““BlueBird’s VTOL systems provide vital intelligence and situational awareness in real-time to the end-user's infantry, armored 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.”
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Israel Aerospace Industries:
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a world-leading aerospace and defense company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in space, air, land, naval, cyber & homeland security for defense 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. Established in 1953, IAI is one of Israel’s largest technology employers with offices and R&D centers in Israel and abroad. For more information, visit https://www.iai.co.il/
BlueBird Aero Systems:
BlueBird Aero Systems, founded in 2002, is a dominant player in the UAS industry. BlueBird specializes in design, development and production of micro, mini and tactical UAS and peripheral equipment and delivers exceptional, field-proven solutions to meet the challenges of the military, homeland security (HLS), and civilian markets.
BlueBird’s advanced UAV systems, operational in Israel and worldwide since 2006, have performed over 57,000 operational sorties in open areas, as well as in urban scenarios for military, HLS, peace-keeping, low intensity conflict, security, disaster management, law enforcement, search and rescue and commercial applications.
For more information, visit www.bluebird-uav.com
In the picture: Wander B VTOL (Credit: BlueBird Aero Systems)
Lital Ben Ari
Manager, Communications & PR
Tel: + 972-50-4697-037
lbenari@iai.co.il
www.iai.co.il
Eliran Fadida
Marketing Manager
BlueBird Aero Systems
Tel: +972-54-3516552
eliran@bluebird-uav.com
www.bluebird-uav.com
