THOR is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) mini unmanned aircraft system (UAS) developed by Elbit Systems, a global defence electronics company based in Israel.
The multi-rotor drone can be deployed in surveillance and reconnaissance missions over land and at sea. It can support military and paramilitary operations, special forces operations, border patrol, urban operations, pre-operation terrain and low-altitude observations.
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The VTOL unmanned aircraft is suitable for performing operations in urban environments with non-line-of-sight communication or over complex terrain due to its automatic take-off and landing. It also has the capability to perform autonomous missions.
THOR VTOL mini UAS design and features
Featuring a quad-rotor design, the THOR mini UAS weighs 9.5kg (21lb) without payload and offers a low acoustic signature. It has a maximum take-off weight of 25kg and can carry a payload of up to 13kg.
Being a fully foldable platform, it can be carried in a bag and deployed in less than two minutes in different weather and terrain conditions. It offers a 360-degree view to the operators when carrying out missions and features a real-time HD data link and unique control software.
The operator can monitor the UAS’ HD imaging payload and obtain a clearer view over the hills or into buildings through real-time datalink.
The mini UAS can also be installed with a man-machine interface, avionics and flight control system. It is robotic and autonomous systems-compatible and is equipped with the NEVO advanced command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence mission software.
THOR also features automated take-off and landing, fully autonomous operation and live navigation modes. It incorporates sophisticated AI-driven algorithms for object detection and identification, alongside the ability to navigate effectively in environments where GPS signals are unavailable.
THOR VTOL UAS development
The THOR mini UAS was originally developed by FUSE (formerly Flying Production), which was acquired by Elbit Systems in March 2019.
Elbit Systems introduced the new multi-rotor UAS family comprising various VTOL man-portable platforms, including the THOR UAS, in June 2017. The company showcased the THOR mini UAS at the Milipol Paris 2017 exhibition held at Paris-Nord Villepinte in November 2017.
The UAS met all the requirements of MIL-STD-810 during a series of environmental qualification tests conducted in August 2020.
The tests evaluated the effectiveness of the UAS under various conditions including its operability in temperatures ranging between -40ºC and 65ºC. The UAS survived hard gusting rain and rough vibrations, as well as resisted penetration and damage from blowing sand and dust during the tests.
In June 2024, Mistral, a defence contracting company, in partnership with FUSE, began production of THOR VTOL Group 2 at its facility in Nottingham, Maryland, US.
Ground control station
The mini UAS is controlled using a universal ground control station named ASTRONOMY. It follows a programmed flight pattern and can be assisted by advanced real-time navigation modes.
THOR VTOL mini UAS propulsion and performance
The THOR mini UAS is powered by electric propulsion, ensuring an operational speed of 45km/h and a maximum speed of 65km/h.
It offers a maximum range of 10km and can endure for up to 75 minutes when installed with a NextVision Nighthawk 2 (NH2) electro-optical (EO) sensor camera payload.
The flight ceiling of the UAS is up to 2,000ft, while its maximum operational altitude above sea level is 12,000ft.
THOR UAS configurations
The THOR UAS can be deployed in various configurations for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), cargo, laser target detection (LTD) and dropper.
In the ISR mode, it can deliver high-definition, live ISR around the clock, maintaining performance in harsh weather conditions. Advanced AI-driven recognition and classification tools enhance situational awareness and support information superiority.
In this configuration, it can be equipped with a dual electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payload on a three-axis stabilised gimbal, thermal imaging paired with long-range daylight optics and video motion detection and automatic target recognition functions.
In the cargo configuration, the UAS supports resupply missions with a payload capacity of up to 13kg, suitable for transporting ammunition, medical supplies and other essential stores. It is engineered to accommodate heavier, bulkier loads, with an EO/IR payload available.
In the LTD mode, THOR provides tactical-level targeting and laser designation, compliant with widely used standards, including Nato STANAG 3373. It can be integrated with EO/thermal imaging sensor suite and laser spot detection capability.
As a dropper, THOR can serve as a UAV-based tactical air-drop system for varied mission sets, designed for adaptability and straightforward upkeep. Flight and release operations can be conducted autonomously via the ground control station. It can feature an EO/IR payload option, single or multiple release configurations and the capacity to carry and deploy up to six grenades, including lethal and non-lethal variants.
Orders and deliveries
Elbit Systems received a $153m (NIS467.8m) contract from a South East Asian army to supply more than 1,000 THOR VTOL aircraft systems in October 2019.
In April 2026, FUSE and Mistral received a firm-fixed-price contract worth $20.04m (€17.67m) from the US Army Contracting Command covering the supply of the Thor Group 2 UAS and associated payloads for the Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Product Office. Deliveries are scheduled for completion by March 2027.
