Stand for Israel

This UAV--not a Heron--has been used in Iraq by American and British troops.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have played a key role in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, helping coalition forces scout out terrorists and even launch attacks without putting soldiers’ lives in danger. In the next several weeks, Australian troops are  set to use a new, Israeli-made UAV in their arsenal.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) took delivery last month of 10 of the new “Heron” UAVs, along with mission payloads, Automatic Ground Control Stations and spare parts. The UAVs are set to be leased from Israel Aircraft Industries–Israel’s top-notch commercial and military aerospace company–for a year, with an option to renew the lease for an additional two years.

The RAAF chose the Heron from among a number of competitors after it successfully completed a series of tests of its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and expects:

… the Heron to significantly increase its operational capabilities in the war in Afghanistan. The Heron is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV that can remain airborne for over 30 hours with a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet and carry a payload of 250 kg.

It has a wingspan of 16.6 meters, a takeoff weight of 1,200 kg, an operational range of several hundred kilometers, an automatic takeoff and landing system and according to IAI, is well suited to the challenging climate and conditions of Afghanistan.

Godspeed, Australians. And the UAVs too.