Thunder B
Bluebird Aero Systems · Israel · also known as ThunderB · Updated
Thunder B is a small tactical unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Bluebird Aero Systems of Israel, built for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
Overview
Bluebird designed Thunder B as a runway-independent tactical UAV, launched by an automatic pneumatic launcher and recovered by parachute and airbag rather than landing gear, so it can operate from unprepared sites. The manufacturer has since developed a larger hybrid fixed-wing/VTOL derivative, the ThunderB-VTOL, which adds tilt-rotors for vertical take-off and landing on the same product name. Shephard Media reported that Bluebird demonstrated the aircraft's long-endurance capability with a 25.5-hour flight during a customer evaluation, landing with enough fuel for a total of 28 hours aloft; the demonstration flight was flown in poor weather and included a further 5.5 hours at maximum speed after the main endurance run.
Design and capabilities
Thunder B is 1.9 m long with a 4 m wingspan and a maximum take-off weight of 28 kg, powered by a digital electronic fuel-injection engine driving a pusher propeller. Airforce Technology gives a maximum speed of 74 kt (137 km/h) and a cruise speed of 42 kt (78 km/h), a service ceiling of 16,000 ft (4,877 m), and an endurance of up to 24 hours depending on payload. It carries up to 3.5 kg of payload in its nose section, typically Bluebird's T-STAMP triple-sensor package combining a cooled infrared camera, a day camera and an optional laser pointer, and can also carry gyro-stabilised photogrammetric mapping payloads. Standard control range is about 100 km, extendable to 150 km, over three integrated data links with counter-jamming protection and an emergency back-up link for GPS-denied environments. The aircraft can also release small under-wing cargo capsules, either ballistically or under a small parachute, on command or automatically. Bluebird states the system is operated by a two-person crew from a portable ground control station.
Use cases
Bluebird markets Thunder B for defense, homeland-security and civilian missions, including border security, search and rescue, and disaster management, in addition to its core ISTAR role. The manufacturer's current materials do not name specific operating countries for the base Thunder B.
Frequently asked questions
What is the endurance of Thunder B?
Up to 24 hours depending on payload, according to Bluebird, and the manufacturer has demonstrated a 25.5-hour evaluation flight.
How is Thunder B launched and recovered?
It takes off from an automatic pneumatic launcher and is recovered by parachute and airbag, since it has no landing gear.
What payload does Thunder B carry?
Up to 3.5 kg in its nose section, typically a triple-sensor package with a cooled infrared camera, a day camera and an optional laser pointer.
What is the range of Thunder B?
A standard control range of about 100 km, extendable to 150 km, per Airforce Technology's specification sheet.
Is there a VTOL version of Thunder B?
Yes — Bluebird's ThunderB-VTOL adds tilt-rotors for vertical take-off and landing on a larger, 45 kg airframe.
