At Euronaval Online, the virtual edition of Euronaval 2020, International naval defense and maritime security industry exhibition, IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) showcases on its virtual booth, the Maritime Heron UAS (Unmanned Aerial System).
IAI has developed a naval version of its Heron UAS Unnamed Aerial System. (Picture source IAI)
The Heron is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned air vehicle (UAV) system designed to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It is designed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) at its Malat division, Israel, in partnership with the Canadian company MacDonald, Dettwiler, and Associates (MDA).
To respond to the needs of international naval forces, IAI has developed a maritime version of its Heron UAV that can be used to fight drug smuggling to illegal immigration and able to conduct pollution to search & rescue operations.
Incorporating more than 40 years of experience and proven operationally worldwide, the Maritime Heron UAS carries out maritime patrol and intelligence-gathering missions, from detection, classification, to identification. The Heron in its maritime configuration is used by several naval forces around the world in homeland security, paramilitary and wartime scenarios, it offers extended operational endurance (up to 45 continuous hours); increased scanning area, range, time over target and mission flexibility, as well as, real-time assessment of battle damage.
The UAS’ full array of intelligence gathering capabilities is made possible thanks to its capacity to carry multiple payloads and sensors simultaneously. A typical operational configuration consists of a maritime patrol radar (MPR) with multi-mode functions, an electro-optical sensor with day/night capabilities and an optional electronic intelligence (ELINT) package. The system is capable of utilizing customer furnished sensor suites. Data can be transmitted from the UAV to the control station and tactical-level end-users in real-time, through direct line-of-sight or via satellite communications.
The operational range of the Heron to be limited only by fuel availability, with missions ranging over 1,000 km from its operating base. It has a maximum take-off weight of 1,270 kg and a maximum payload of 470 kg. It can fly at a maximum speed of 140 ktas (Knots True Air Speed) 260 km/h at a maximum altitude of 35,000 ft (10,700m).
