IAI Rotem L
| Industry | Aerospace and defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Israel |
| Products | IAI Rotem L (loitering munition) |
The IAI Rotem L, also known as IAI Rotem - Light, is a type of loitering munition created by Israel Aerospace Industries.
Design
The Rotem-L is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) quadcopter tailored for combat in urban environments. It can be deployed by a single operator in less than a minute and is managed through a tablet interface. The system has an approximate weight of 6.5 kg and offers an operational range of 10 km. Its warhead module, weighing 1.2 kg, carries either two M26 or M67 grenades and incorporates an airflow-triggered arming mechanism. Additionally, it can be redirected back if no target is engaged. Powered electrically, this munition functions with minimal noise within a 200-meter radius, cruises at , and performs dives at with precision accuracy under one meter. It includes two cameras for reconnaissance and target acquisition, alongside sensors that prevent collisions, ensuring safe operation in urban settings. The combat payload supports up to 30 minutes of flight time; when equipped with an ISR module, endurance increases to 45 minutes, and a perch mode enables surveillance lasting as long as nine hours.
In September 2023, IAI unveiled the Rotem Alpha, a larger model () designed to be man-portable and equipped with an anti-tank warhead based on the LAHAT. This version combines anti-tank and blast-fragmentation charges capable of penetrating 450 mm of armor or offers pure anti-tank charges that can breach up to 800 mm. The Rotem Alpha provides endurance of 60 minutes and can operate at ranges reaching .