The Israeli Ministry of Defense's Research and Development Division within the Weapons Development Department recently achieved a notable milestone in the realm of drone technology. They are on the brink of producing an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of transporting substantial payloads, including injured soldiers, swiftly and securely from combat zones.
Christened the “Ambulance Drone”, this innovation is tailored specifically for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) by the Ministry of Defense. In a groundbreaking demonstration in the Negev in May, the drone underwent rigorous testing under various scenarios. The outcomes were promising, instilling confidence in the team behind this state-of-the-art platform. As the next phase of its development, early next year, it will be tested with intended payloads, starting with essential supplies such as ammunition, water, and fuel. This capability will be crucial for supporting troops in live combat situations. In subsequent stages, the drone will be optimized to transport human payloads.
During the demonstration, the UAV showcased its impressive capability by transporting two individuals over a short distance. This served as evidence of its potential to cover up to 50 kilometers, equivalent to an hour's flight, and bear a load of roughly 250 kilograms. Originally conceived by the Israeli firm "Air One" for civilian purposes, this drone has now been repurposed for military applications. It promises to introduce a revolutionary approach to logistics in contemporary warfare.
#Israel-based company introduces flying ambulance UAV heading for takeoff: https://t.co/SqUeppvQZU
— Emet News Service 🇮🇱 #JusticeForMalkiRoth (@EmetNews) January 12, 2017
Elaborating on this transition, Idan, who leads the UAV segment in the R&D division of the Ministry of Defense, stated, "We've essentially revised our strategy. Rather than building a military tool from scratch, we're adapting a civilian asset for military applications." He emphasized the division's intent to harness innovations from startups and augment them with military-grade capabilities.
Idan further revealed, "Currently, we're devising an integration strategy for this equipment in collaboration with IDF officials. Subsequent to this, a systematic testing protocol will be established. I project that within the next one to two years, we'll witness substantial advancements, paving the way for the drone's deployment in the army, boasting enhanced weight-carrying capacity and extended range."
Israel Tests Flying Drone Taxis to Carry Passengers, Ease Traffic JEWS ARE .2 percent of the world’s population while earning an average across the board of 22 percent of all Nobel prizes. Amazing geniuses https://t.co/BUoEjirfdH
— mhdude1 (@Mhdude1Mhdude1) June 25, 2023
Over the past decade, there were attempts to create drones, albeit smaller in size, to extract injured personnel from battlefields. Unfortunately, these endeavors were hampered, primarily due to safety concerns. Yet, with the current drone model, which is considerably larger than its predecessors, the Ministry is optimistic. This innovation might herald the commencement of a pioneering system, marking its debut in the IDF.
