IAI and AEVEX pitch OmniRaider VTOL UAS

The OmniRaider VTOL UAS was unveiled at AUSA 2025, combining long-endurance performance with payload flexibility for brigade-level reconnaissance and tactical missions.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), its subsidiary BlueBird Aero Systems, and U.S. partner AEVEX Aerospace jointly debuted the OmniRaider VTOL Unmanned Aircraft System at AUSA 2025. The OmniRaider is the U.S. version of the ThunderB-Next Generation (NG) VTOL platform and is fully manufactured and fielded by AEVEX in Tampa, Florida.

The OmniRaider represents the latest step in the ThunderB-VTOL family’s evolution as a Group 3 system. It has a maximum take-off weight of 110 lbs and supports multi-payload configurations exceeding 20 lbs, enabling simultaneous missions from one platform.

The system’s modular design allows integration of various payloads. The ThunderB line has already supported 11 payload combinations, pairing EO/IR and SIGINT sensors or combining mapping, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities. The OmniRaider’s smart architecture enhances mission flexibility and efficiency in the field.

With 12–14 hours of endurance and a range of 100 miles, the OmniRaider provides persistent RSTA support for brigade-level operations in contested or GPS-denied airspace.

Boaz Levy, president and CEO of IAI, says: “The OmniRaider brings a new level of operational flexibility to tactical UAS, combining multi-payload endurance with VTOL agility in one platform.”

AEVEX chief growth officer Bob Horky adds: “This platform offers a unique balance of endurance, payload flexibility and survivability – critical for today’s operational environment.”