ThunderB
Israeli small tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, developed in the early 2020s, used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and border security missions. Key figures: top speed 137 km/h, range 150 km, service ceiling 4,877 m, max takeoff weight 32 kg.
| Length | 1.9 m (6.2 ft) |
| Wingspan | 4 m (13.1 ft) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 32 kg (71 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × piston engine with electronic fuel injection |
| Maximum speed | 137 km/h (85 mph) |
| Operational range | 150 km (93 mi) |
| Endurance | 24 hours |
| Service ceiling | 4,877 m (16,001 ft) |
Description
The ThunderB is an Israeli small tactical unmanned aerial vehicle developed by BlueBird Aero Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries since 2021. It is a man-portable, catapult-launched system marketed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, convoy protection, border security and search and rescue. Its design objective was to provide the range and endurance normally associated with heavier tactical UAVs within a portable package, with an operational radius of 100 km and endurance of up to 24 hours.
Development
BlueBird Aero Systems developed the ThunderB as part of its family of small tactical UAVs, positioning it above its hand-launched types in range and payload capacity. Israel Aerospace Industries acquired the company as a subsidiary in 2021. The system was designed around runway-independent operation, dispensing with landing gear entirely so that the complete system, including a ground control station that fits in a bag, remains transportable by a small team.
Design
The ThunderB has a length of 1.9 m and a wingspan of 4 m, with a maximum take-off weight of 28 to 32 kg depending on configuration. Propulsion is by a digital electronic fuel injection engine driving a pusher propeller. Maximum speed is 74 kt (137 km/h), cruise speed 42 kt (78 km/h), and service ceiling 16,000 ft (4,877 m). Maximum endurance is 24 hours depending on payload, with an operational radius of 100 km extendable to 150 km. Launch is by pneumatic catapult and recovery by parachute with an airbag; take-off and landing are fully autonomous. Payload capacity is 3.5 kg, carried in the nose section. The T-STAMP triple sensor package combines a cooled infrared camera, a day camera and an optional laser pointer, and gyro-stabilised photogrammetric payloads are also offered. Counter-jamming features permit operation in GPS-denied environments, and an emergency backup control link is fitted.
Operational History
The ThunderB is operated by Israel and has been exported by BlueBird Aero Systems to Azerbaijan, Chile, Colombia, Greece, India, Mexico, Morocco and Spain. Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is also a customer, consistent with the type's border security and maritime surveillance roles.
Variants
- ThunderB: Baseline catapult-launched, parachute-recovered configuration with up to 24 hours endurance.
- ThunderB-VTOL: Adds vertical take-off and landing rotors, reducing endurance to approximately 12 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft is the ThunderB?
What is the maximum speed of the ThunderB?
What is the range of the ThunderB?
What is the service ceiling of the ThunderB?
- AUG 152026 Created ThunderB UAV page created (specs, description, 9 operators)