The vehicle is primarily intended for front line military support with a range of 20 miles, but it can fly reasonably quickly with speeds over 100MPH using its lone turboshaft engine and two adjustable rotors. It can even operate in stronger winds than a helicopter pilot could, according to the company. The drone isn't as glaring a target as you might think, either. A carbon fiber body helps reduce its radar profile, and its exhaust system cools fumes to avoid producing an obvious infrared signature. The robotic aircraft is initially destined for the Israel Defence Forces, which isn't surprising when it's Tactical Robotics' home country. It's easy to imagine other military customers springing for Cormorants of their own, though. And the technology developed here could theoretically translate to civilian hospitals -- air ambulances could operate around the clock.
Israeli start-up Tactical Robotics has developed an autonomous vertical take-off and landing ( VTOL) drone called the Cormorant that can conduct remote medical evacuations. Targeting front line military operations, the drone has a 20-mile range and can reach speeds of over 100 mph. With a reduced radar profile and able to withstand stronger winds than a helicopter, according to Tactical Robotics, the Cormorant can collect two casualties at a time. The Cormorant, which is being tested in Israel, will be used for search and rescue operations as well as disaster relief operations.