Teledyne FLIR R80D SkyRaider
The Teledyne FLIR R80D SkyRaider is a small multi-mission drone system used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and counter-UAS roles by deploying expendable payloads against hostile drones.
System Overview
What It Is
The R80D SkyRaider is a small multi-rotor drone developed by Teledyne FLIR that can carry and deploy payloads for counter-UAS intercept missions. It represents a drone-vs-drone approach to the counter-UAS problem, using an interceptor drone to physically neutralize hostile UAS threats.
How It Works
SkyRaider is launched by a single operator and flies toward a detected drone threat, guided by an onboard sensor suite. It carries deployable counter-UAS payloads, including net-based capture devices or other effectors, which it uses to physically intercept and disable the hostile drone. The system can also perform ISR missions using its onboard cameras.
Primary Capability
Counter-UAS intercept and ISR using a multi-rotor UAS platform carrying deployable payloads.
Overview
The Teledyne FLIR R80D SkyRaider represents the emerging drone-on-drone approach to counter-UAS operations. Rather than relying on ground-based sensors and effectors, SkyRaider takes the fight to the airspace, using an operator-controlled multi-rotor platform to physically intercept and neutralize hostile drones. This approach offers unique advantages in terms of precision and minimized collateral effects.
Development History
Teledyne FLIR developed the R80D SkyRaider as part of its expanding portfolio of small tactical UAS platforms. Building on the company's extensive experience in EO/IR sensor technology and small drone systems, SkyRaider was designed to address the growing need for a portable, rapidly deployable counter-UAS capability that could be carried and operated by individual soldiers or small teams. The system entered service in 2021 following successful demonstrations and evaluations.
Capabilities
SkyRaider's multi-rotor platform provides stable flight characteristics ideal for intercept operations. The drone carries deployable payloads — including net-based capture systems — that allow it to disable hostile UAS without explosive ordnance. Its onboard EO/IR sensors provide the operator with real-time imagery for target identification and intercept guidance. When not performing counter-UAS missions, SkyRaider serves as a capable ISR platform for reconnaissance and surveillance.
Future Development
Teledyne FLIR is developing enhanced autonomous flight capabilities for SkyRaider, including AI-assisted target tracking and autonomous intercept modes that reduce operator workload. Improved payloads and extended endurance through better battery technology are also in development.
Technical Specifications
- Type: Multi-rotor UAS
- Endurance: ~30 minutes
- Payload capacity: multiple deployable payloads
- EO/IR sensor suite
- GPS-denied navigation capability
- Man-portable and backpackable
Range
~2 km
Compatible Platforms
Deployed By
Key Features
- Drone-on-drone intercept capability
- Multi-mission ISR and C-UAS
- Rapidly deployable by single operator
- Deployable payload flexibility
- EO/IR sensors for day/night operation
Advantages
- Mobile and man-portable
- Surgical defeat with minimal collateral risk
- Dual-use reconnaissance and C-UAS
- No spectrum management concerns for kinetic defeat
Limitations
- Limited endurance for persistent patrol
- Weather-dependent flight operations
- Single-threat engagement per sortie
- Requires operator piloting skill