The Aeronautics Orbiter 3 is a fully electric, runway-independent small tactical UAS built for ISTAR missions and modular payloads. Aeronautics now advertises up to 10 hours of endurance, launcher-and-parachute recovery or an add-on VTOL kit, and payload options that include EO/IR, ELINT, COMINT, EW, SAR, VMD, and MTI. Azerbaijan fielded Orbiter 3s in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and Aeronautics later announced Greek procurement activity in 2023.
Azerbaijani forces used Orbiter 3 surveillance UAVs for reconnaissance and fire-support roles during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, as part of Azerbaijan's broader Israeli-origin drone arsenal on the battlefield.
Aeronautics describes Orbiter 3 as a modular ISR platform with several sensor and intelligence payload options.
| Carried item | Item type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | EO/IR payload | Aeronautics lists EO/IR with an optional laser pointer, designator, and rangefinder among Orbiter 3 payload options. Sources: Orbiter 3 |
| Signals-intelligence payload | Aeronautics lists ELINT as one of the Orbiter 3 payload options on its current product page. Sources: Orbiter 3 |
 | Tri-sensor EO/IR payload | Defense Update said the Orbiter 3 could carry TD-STAMP, a Controp tri-sensor payload combining CCD, cooled FLIR, and a laser designator. |
Aeronautics' current Orbiter 3 page emphasizes compact logistics and a modular mission fit rather than a single fixed configuration.
| Topic | Documented detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Launch and recovery | Launcher takeoff, parachute recovery, or an add-on VTOL kit. | Keeps the system runway-independent and field-mobile. |
| Crew and turnaround | 2-3 people, with assembly and turnaround in 15 minutes or less. | Shows why Orbiter 3 fits tactical, forward-deployed teams. |
| Payload suite | EO/IR with optional laser pointer, designator, or rangefinder; ELINT; COMINT; EW; SAR; VMD; and MTI. | Broadens the platform from basic reconnaissance to sensor-rich ISR and EW tasks. |
| Flight profile | Fully electric, low silhouette, covert-defense design. | Explains the platform's emphasis on quiet, discreet operations. |
Defense Update reported that Aeronautics unveiled Orbiter 3 at the Paris Airshow and said the system was already operational, with the first system delivered three weeks earlier.
Sources: Aeronautics Unveils Orbiter 3 at the Paris Airshow
Defence Blog reported that Azerbaijani forces presented Orbiter-3 for the first time during Azerbaijan-Turkey joint drills in Nakhchivan.
Sources: Azerbaijani Army Unveils Its New Orbiter-3 Small Tactical UAS
Euro-SD reported that Aeronautics announced it would supply dozens of Orbiter 3 UASs to Greece as part of a broader Spike deal.
Sources: Aeronautics to Supply Orbiter 3 UASs to Greece as Part of Spike Deal
