IAI signs two deals to supply Heron MK II systems to Central Asian country
The unmanned aircraft with standoff capability are to carry out various missions including ones for border protection
IsraelDefense
| 25/01/2021
Photo: IAI
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) said Monday that it has signed two deals with a country in Central Asia, one to sell Heron MKII UAV systems and another to lease them. The deals are valued at tens of millions of dollars. The systems include reconnaissance payloads, Heron MK II drones and land arrays.
The Heron MK II reaches an altitude of 35,000 feet, has a maximum speed of 140 knots, and can stay in the air for up to 45 hours. Thanks to improved production technologies, the Heron MK II has a wider and stronger chassis enabling quick and easy maintenance without affecting the UAV’s net weight. The UAV can be used in new configurations and has a long-range reconnaissance sensor and radar. It can carry a range of additional payloads like COMINT and ELINT equipment, IAI says.
According to IAI, the UAV’s outstanding characteristic is its standoff capability, namely the capability of gathering intelligence on targets from dozens of miles away with no need to cross borders, thanks to its ability to carry larger, improved sensors. In addition, the Heron MK II has improved avionics and an improved and reinforced engine.
Moshe Levy, IAI Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group, said: "I commend the signing of the two Heron MK II deals. The systems will operate in a land configuration and will carry out different missions, border protection among them. The Heron MK II UAVs can land on any airstrip and can maneuver under extreme weather conditions. I am certain that these deals will open the door to additional Heron MK II deals."
The unmanned aircraft with standoff capability are to carry out various missions including ones for border protection
Photo: IAI
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) said Monday that it has signed two deals with a country in Central Asia, one to sell Heron MKII UAV systems and another to lease them. The deals are valued at tens of millions of dollars. The systems include reconnaissance payloads, Heron MK II drones and land arrays.
The Heron MK II reaches an altitude of 35,000 feet, has a maximum speed of 140 knots, and can stay in the air for up to 45 hours. Thanks to improved production technologies, the Heron MK II has a wider and stronger chassis enabling quick and easy maintenance without affecting the UAV’s net weight. The UAV can be used in new configurations and has a long-range reconnaissance sensor and radar. It can carry a range of additional payloads like COMINT and ELINT equipment, IAI says.
According to IAI, the UAV’s outstanding characteristic is its standoff capability, namely the capability of gathering intelligence on targets from dozens of miles away with no need to cross borders, thanks to its ability to carry larger, improved sensors. In addition, the Heron MK II has improved avionics and an improved and reinforced engine.
Moshe Levy, IAI Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group, said: "I commend the signing of the two Heron MK II deals. The systems will operate in a land configuration and will carry out different missions, border protection among them. The Heron MK II UAVs can land on any airstrip and can maneuver under extreme weather conditions. I am certain that these deals will open the door to additional Heron MK II deals."
