Elbit Systems reports its development of Skylark C, a highly autonomous miniature unmanned aircraft system for maritime use.

Skylark C is based on the Israeli company's Skylark I Mini UAS, which is operational and used by dozens of international customers.

The new variant Skylark C offers the extended operational capabilities of its land-based counterpart and provides the ability to inspect maritime activities from a safe distance, observe targets, perform reconnaissance over coastal areas and perform continuous covert surveillance.

Elbit said the system features a very low visual and acoustic signature, an advanced inertial navigation system and a stabilized electro-optical payload with a high-resolution thermal imager and color daylight camera.

"Until recently, the ability to achieve real-time maritime situational awareness and ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance) capabilities in a short period of time and with minimal resources remained a significant gap," said Elad Aharonson, general manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR Division "Now, with Skylark C, small-scale naval crews, such as special operations forces and coast guard patrols, can capture mission-critical information using a truly intuitive and organic system, and as a result significantly improve their operational effectiveness."