Aircraft & UAVs

Aeronautics Orbiter 4

Also known as
  • Orbiter 4
  • Orbiter 4 CR-UAV
  • Orbiter 4 VTOL
  • Nitzotz
  • Nitzoz
  • Spark

The Aeronautics Orbiter 4 is an Israeli long-range tactical UAS built for runway-independent ISR, ground-force support, and multi-payload missions. Aeronautics markets it with launcher/parachute recovery or an add-on VTOL kit, while Israeli-service reporting identifies the Orbiter 4 as Nitzotz or Spark and ties Spark operations to the 2023 Israel-Hamas War.

Aeronautics Orbiter 4, Long-range tactical unmanned aerial system, Aircraft & UAVs
Image source: MINDEF Orbiter 4 Fact Sheet

Role in Conflicts

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
Israel
Type
Long-range tactical unmanned aerial system
Service note
2020s long-range tactical UAS
Unit cost
Not publicly documented

Specifications

Maximum takeoff weight
55 kg
Wingspan
5.2 m
Endurance
More than 24 hours
Payload
Up to 12 kg
Speed
Up to 70 kts
Altitude
Up to 18,000 ft
Datalink
LOS up to 150 km or BLOS
Recovery
Launcher takeoff with parachute recovery; optional VTOL kit
Mission Payloads

Aeronautics lists Orbiter 4 with multiple simultaneous payload options, including SIGINT and electronic-warfare mission payloads that already have catalog records.

Carried itemItem typeCarriage evidence
ELINT, Electronic intelligence payload, Electronic WarfareELINTElectronic intelligence payload

Aeronautics lists ELINT among Orbiter 4's available sensors and payloads.

Sources: Orbiter 4

COMINT, Communications intelligence payload, Electronic WarfareCOMINTCommunications intelligence payload

Aeronautics lists COMINT among Orbiter 4's available sensors and payloads.

Sources: Orbiter 4

Orbiter 2 EW payload, Electronic warfare payload option, Electronic WarfareOrbiter 2 EW payloadElectronic warfare payload

Aeronautics lists EW as one of the available Orbiter 4 payload options.

Sources: Orbiter 4

Configuration And Payload Notes

Orbiter 4 is best read as a configurable UAS rather than a single fixed sensor fit. Public material separates launch and recovery options from mission payload choices, while Israeli-service reporting uses the Nitzotz or Spark name for the IAF configuration.

AreaDocumented optionsReader note
Launch and recoveryLauncher with parachute and airbag recovery; optional VTOL kitThe launcher setup favors longer missions, while the VTOL kit adds site flexibility.
ISR and targetingEO/IR, laser pointer/designator/range finder, SAR, maritime patrol radar, AIS, and IFFSingapore highlights the EO/IR/LTD sensor fit for close-range air ISR.
SIGINT and EWELINT, COMINT, and EW payload optionsAeronautics lists these as selectable payloads rather than permanent airframe variants.
Israeli service labelNitzotz / SparkOpen reporting identifies Spark as the IAF designation associated with Orbiter 4 service.
Timeline

Aeronautics Orbiter 4 Key Events

  1. Singapore discloses Orbiter 4 acquisition

    Singapore MINDEF said the RSAF had acquired the Orbiter 4 CR-UAV for air intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

    Sources: MINDEF Orbiter 4 Fact Sheet

  2. Nitzotz tied to IAF service

    Defense Update reported that the reactivated Israeli Air Force 144th Squadron would operate Orbiter 4 drones under the Nitzoz, or Spark, designation.

    Sources: Defense Update Orbiter 4 NITZOZ

  3. Spark formally received by the IAF

    Breaking Defense reported that the Israeli Air Force had officially received the Spark UAV for the 144th Squadron at Hatzor Air Force Base.

    Sources: Breaking Defense Spark UAV

  4. Spark reported in Gaza operations

    Defence Industry Europe reported that the Israeli Air Force had commenced Spark UAV operations in actions against Hamas in Gaza.

    Sources: Defence Industry Europe Spark Gaza Operations

  5. Aeronautics announces Orbiter 4 contract awards

    EDR Magazine reported Aeronautics' announcement of more than $50 million in contracts for Orbiter 4 systems in multiple configurations.

    Sources: EDR Orbiter 4 Contracts

Media

Aeronautics Orbiter 4 Videos

Related Weapon Systems
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Aeronautics Orbiter 2, Mini unmanned aerial system, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAeronautics Orbiter 2Mini unmanned aerial systemThe Aeronautics Orbiter 2 is an Israeli fixed-wing mini-UAS for tactical ISR, target acquisition, surveillance, and payload-flexible mission support. Current Aeronautics material presents the Orbiter 2 ISR as a 13 kg, catapult-launched system with EO/IR, electronic-intelligence, communications-intelligence, electronic-warfare, video-processing, and jammer payload options, while Azerbaijan assembled Orbiter-family UAVs through Azad Systems and fielded Orbiter-2 reconnaissance drones in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.

Sources

Orbiter 4Publisher: Aeronautics Group | Note: Supports manufacturer background, Orbiter 4 specifications, and the payload list including ELINT, COMINT, EW, SAR, MPR, AIS, and IFF. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Orbiter 4 VTOL brochure pdfPublisher: Aeronautics Group | Note: Supports Orbiter 4 VTOL and launcher/parachute configurations, payload limit, endurance, datalink range, and other platform specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-29MINDEF Orbiter 4 Fact SheetPublisher: Singapore Ministry of Defence | Note: Supports Singapore's acquisition of the Orbiter 4 CR-UAV, close-range AISR role, published technical specifications, and image provenance for the primary page image. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Defense Update Orbiter 4 NITZOZPublisher: Defense Update | Note: Supports Israeli Air Force service context, the Nitzoz/Spark designation for the Orbiter 4 STUAS, 144th Squadron context, and launcher/VTOL configuration notes. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Breaking Defense Spark UAVPublisher: Breaking Defense | Note: Supports Israeli Air Force Spark service context, 144th Squadron fielding, and the stated intelligence, ground-force escort, and strike-direction mission set. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Defence Industry Europe Spark Gaza OperationsPublisher: Defence Industry Europe | Note: 2023 Israel-Hamas War: supports direct-use context for Spark UAV operations by the Israeli Air Force against Hamas in Gaza and describes Spark as part of the Aeronautics Orbiter model family. | Accessed: 2026-06-29EDR Orbiter 4 Maritime PatrolPublisher: EDR Magazine | Note: Supports maritime-patrol mission context, shipboard integration claims, multi-payload carriage, and three-person operation. | Accessed: 2026-06-29EDR Orbiter 4 ContractsPublisher: EDR Magazine | Note: Supports 2025 contract-award context for Orbiter 4 systems in multiple configurations and current battlefield-market positioning. | Accessed: 2026-06-29