The UAVs, which carry the name "Heron" in IAI, represent a substantial leap to the air force's operational capabilities due to the UAV's unique characteristics: being the largest and heaviest of the IAF's UAV fleet with the largest payload carrying capability compared to other IAF's UAVs.
The Heron can fly at an altitude of 30,000 feet, and has an endurance of over 40 hours. It can carry a number of payloads and sensors simultaneously, and supply its operators with real-time data. The UAV uses a quiet engine and has redundant systems, providing very high mission reliability.
IAI's President & CEO, Itzhak Nissan, said that: "The acceptance of IAI's Heron UAV by the IAF is a substantial breakthrough in the IAF's UAV capabilities. These capabilities were already proven in IAF UAV operations by performing long endurance, high altitude, heavy payload and multi-task missions with great reliability. We are pleased to celebrate the Heron's acceptance with the IAF and we will continue our long-term commitment to supply unique products to the IAF and the IDF in the future."
The Heron UAV is a strategic UAV with a wingspan of 16.6 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 1200 kg, a mission radius of hundreds of kilometers, a capability of flying under any weather conditions and possesses automatic launch, flight and recovery capabilities. The Heron UAV has been successfully marketed to many foreign customers and receives frequent praise for its design and capabilities.
During the recent conflict in Lebanon, IAI Heron UAVs were successfully operated, using various payloads. The UAVs were jointly operated by the IAF and teams from IAI and proved their contribution. Its capabilities open new horizons in the multi-task usage of UAVs.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a world leader in the development and manufacturing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) systems. UAV systems made by IAI are operationally operated by dozens of customers worldwide for over three decades and have accumulated more than 330,000 flight hours.
For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate Vice President for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 935-8509Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il
