# Military Scouting Drones This Fixed-Wing Drone Can Hang In the Air For Six Hours At a Time By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-02-17 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylark-3-fixedwing-drone References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/elbit-skylark-3-drone/41822/) & [elbitsystems](http://www.elbitsystems.com/elbitmain/area-in2.asp?parent=3&num=279&num2=279) The Skylark 3 is a supremely well designed an innovative fixed-wing drone that marks the latest addition to the considerable lineup of [compact unmanned aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-neo) offered up by [Elbit Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unmanned-ground-vehicle). This lightweight drone features a maximum take-off weight of 45 kg. It offers a considerable wingspan of 4.8 meters, and a payload capacity of 10 kg. This particular setup requires that the drone be launched via a pneumatic launcher that can be mounted on a vehicle or on the ground. The extra size allows the drone to offer a range of well over 100 km, making it capable of staying in the air for up to six hours at a time. This fixed-wing drone will be useful as an aid to military personnel thanks to its ability to inspect surroundings in a hassle-free and non-intrusive manner. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Compact Fixed-wing Drones:** The development of more compact and efficient fixed-wing drones presents opportunities for enhanced military surveillance and reconnaissance. - **Extended Flight Time Drones:** Development of drones with extended flight times can create new possibilities for surveillance and data gathering. - **Pneumatic Launchers for Drones:** Pneumatic launchers are a promising technology for launching drones and can lead to more efficient and flexible drone operations. ### Who This Affects Most - **Military:** Military organizations can benefit from the innovation of drone technology, allowing for enhanced surveillance and protection. - **Unmanned Aerial Vehicles:** The unmanned aerial vehicle industry is continuously growing with the demand for innovative and advanced drone technology. - **Aerospace and Defense:** The aerospace and defense industry can leverage the development of drones and pneumatic launchers for more efficient and effective operations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [VTOL-Supporting Drone Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-systems.md) - [Heavy Payload-Accommodating Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firefly-drone.md) - [Multi-Mission Military Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vtol-drones.md) - [Autonomous Commercial-Ready Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fixar-007.md) - [Commercial Aerial Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ageagle.md) - [Range-Roving Cargo Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rangeroving-cargo-drone.md) - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Hazardous Weather-Ready Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tf-g1.md) - [Carbon-Caged Mapping Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mapping-drone.md)