Israeli Defense company Elbit Systems has recently unveiled a terrifying micro drone-based loitering munition (also known as a suicide drone or kamikaze drone) called Lanius.
Highly maneuverable drone Lanius is designed to carry out pinpoint targeted killings in complex urban combat environments. Lanius can gather tactical intelligence even inside buildings for potential threats during short-range operations.
Lanius will be part of a larger mother drone that carries several micro-UAVs and can launch them as needed. It can communicate over Wi-Fi or a software-defined radio.
The mother drone is part of a platform called Legion-X that comprises a series of autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic tools. The Legion-X offers a comprehensive, all-in-one platform for the planning, deployment, and operation of swarms.
LANIUS can carry lethal or non-lethal payloads to perform a broad spectrum of missions for special forces, military, and law enforcement agencies.
Lanius has a top speed of 45 mph and a limited flight time of seven minutes. The short flight range is due to the small size of its battery for incredible speed and agility.
It has an operational speed of up to 20 meters per second in an outdoor setting. It can carry a payload of 150 grams (0.33 pounds) while the drone’s total weight is 2.75 pounds (1.25 kg).
