IAI Heron
Summary
| Category | Drone |
| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| First flight | 1 January 1994 |
| Year of introduction | 2005 |
| Number produced | units |
Description
The IAI Heron, also known as Machatz-1, is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Malat division of Israel Aerospace Industries. It is designed for operations of up to 52 hours' duration at altitudes of up to 10.5 km (35,000 ft).
The Heron utilizes an internal GPS navigation device, offering fully autonomous flight via pre-programmed profiles, manual override from a ground control station, or a combination of both. The system is capable of fully automatic launch and recovery (ALR) and all-weather operations. In case of lost communication, it can autonomously return to base and land.
The Heron is designed to carry up to 250 kg (550 lb) of various sensors and systems for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and target acquisition. Payloads include thermographic (infrared) and visible-light cameras for airborne ground surveillance, intelligence systems (COMINT and ELINT), and radar systems, enabling target acquisition and artillery adjustment. Payload sensors communicate with the ground control station in real time through direct line-of-sight data links or via airborne/satellite relay. The payload can operate in a fully pre-programmed autonomous mode, manual real-time remote operation, or a combination of both. Project Cheetah aimed to weaponize around 90 Heron UAVs with laser-guided bombs, air-launched anti-tank guided missiles, and other precision-guided munitions, though these plans were reportedly dropped.
Key milestones include its adoption by the Israel Defense Forces, with an initial purchase of US$50 million worth of Heron systems announced on 11 September 2005. The Heron saw considerable action during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza in 2008–2009, where it was used in close support roles with each brigade combat team being assigned its own UAV squadron. This marked the first instance in Israeli operations where UAVs, helicopters, and fighter jets were allocated directly to ground forces without requiring central command authorization. Throughout the deployment, situational awareness was maintained by keeping at least a dozen UAVs airborne over Gaza, with aerial surveillance provided by Heron and Hermes 450 UAVs.
Countries operating the Heron include Singapore, India, and Turkey. France operates a derivative known as the Eagle or Harfang. Additionally, Canada leased a Heron for use in Afghanistan starting in 2009. Australia also leased two Herons, accumulating 27,000 flight hours by the end of their operation in support of Operation Slipper in Afghanistan on 30 November 2014; the Royal Australian Air Force retired these Herons in June 2017. Starting in 2021, Herons based in Malta have been used by Frontex to monitor migrant activity in the southern Mediterranean Sea.
Main Variants:
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Heron Mk1: The original variant, designed for medium-altitude, long-endurance operations, capable of carrying various sensors for surveillance and reconnaissance.
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Super Heron: An enhanced version featuring a more powerful 200-horsepower diesel engine for improved climb rate and performance, along with increased range and endurance.
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Heron TP (Eitan): An advanced and larger version, also known as the IAI Eitan, designed for longer-range and higher-payload missions.
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Heron Mk2: A modernized version equipped with advanced systems like automatic taxi-takeoff and landing (ATOL) and SATCOM, enhancing its operational capabilities and range.
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EADS Harfang: A derivative of the Heron operated by France, tailored to meet specific French requirements, and also known as Eagle.
Technical specifications
| Version: Heron | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 350 km (217 mi) |
| Endurance | 45 hours |
| Maximum speed | 207 km/h (129 mph) |
| Wingspan | 16.6 m (54.5 ft) |
| Length | 8.5 m (27.9 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 10000 m (32808 ft) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1270 kg (2800 lbs) |
| Powerplant | Rotax 914 engine |