As part of its effort to insure the safety and respect the privacy of innocent Palestinians, the Israel Defense Forces is using new technologies in its search for the three Israeli teenagers abducted on June 12.
In Operation Brother’s Keeper, Israel has been using its recently improved Skylark UAV drones (also known as 2nd generation Skyriders). The unmanned mini-plane is manufactured by Israel’s Elbit Systems.
Defense News reported that the new advances in the Skylark will insure the well-being of the civilian areas that are being searched.
A mission-tailored “sensor-to-commander” role aimed at minimizing casualties of uninvolved civilians, said Maj. Aviv Koltonof, deputy commander of the Skyrider Unit.
Weighing about 8 to 10 kilograms (17-22 pounds) and with a wingspan of about seven feet, this non-invasive drone is similar to a large bird.
In the past, Israel sent people knocking door to door in search of abducted civilians.
The Jerusalem Post reported that:
Sky Rider’s drones can hover for up to two hours, at varying heights and its small size means that it can’t be seen or heard, since its engine is electric and quiet. Those being watched don’t know it is there.