Australian Department of Defense: "The IAI-Made Heron UAVs Have Become Operational in Afghanistan"
Jan 27, 2010
Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become operational in Afghanistan with the Australian Air Force, according to the Australian Department of Defense (DoD).
According to the official media release made by the DoD (http://www.defence.gov.au/media/departmentaltpl.cfm?CurrentId=9881), the Heron uses leading edge technology provide ground commanders with live situational awareness, protecting the Australian troops in Afghanistan and the other Western troops as well."
The UAVs will provide intelligence on various targets in southern Afghanistan as part of Project NANKEEN.
The contract between the Australian DoD and the Canadian company MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) – the prime contractor – was signed in September 2009, and within an extremely short time period, the UAVs were transferred to Afghanistan.
Until now, IAI's UAVs have logged over 5,000 hours of operational use in Afghanistan by four different air forces active in the region – the Canadian, Spanish, French, and Australian. The Heron will also soon be operationally active with the German Air Force in Afghanistan.
The Heron is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV with the ability to remain airborne for over 30 hours. Its maximum altitude is over 30,000 feet and it can carry payloads weighing as much as 250 kg for a variety of missions. The Heron's wingspan is 16.6 meters, its takeoff weight is 1,200 kg, and it has an operational range of hundreds of kilometers. The Heron can function under any weather conditions, and has automatic takeoff, landing, and flight capabilities.
About Israel Aerospace Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries is Israel's leading technological-industrial company, with approximately 17,400 employees.
IAI has gained worldwide recognition as a leading developer of aviation and aerospace technology in both military and civilian markets.
IAI provides the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and its foreign customers with unique, high-quality technological solutions that meet a wide range of needs on the ground, in the sea, in the air, in space and in the field of homeland security. IAI is a world leader in a wide range of advanced technologies, including the development, production, renovation, upgrading, repair and maintenance of aircraft, missiles, launchers, communications satellites, observation satellites and ground services, electronic systems, avionics systems, advanced radar, precision-guided munitions, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate VP for Communications
Tel: 03-935-8509
Fax: 03-935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il
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