Israel Aerospace Industries (ha-ta’asiya ha-avirit le-yisra’el) will unveil the new HERON MK II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle at the upcoming Singapore Airshow. The HERON MK II is an updated model of the HERON Multi Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which is used by the Israeli Air Force (Zroa HaAvir VeHahalal,) and is operational with over 20 other organizations worldwide. Using the most advanced technologies developed by IAI to date, the HERON MK II is a strategic and versatile aircraft capable of carrying diverse payloads.
The HERON MK II has a significant appeal to HERON customers around the world as it operates under the same operational concepts. Fitted with a Rotax 915 iS engine, the HERON MK II can reach an altitude of 35,000 feet, a maximum speed of 140 knots and can remain in the air for 45 consecutive hours. The operational concepts are based on the vast knowledge and experience gained by IAI in the field of UAV’s for nearly 50 years of operation, more than 1,800,000 cumulative flight hours, and over 50 operational customers.
Due to improved manufacturing technologies, the HERON MK II has a wider and stronger body structure, allowing for quick and easy maintenance without adding to its weight. The HERON MK II enables new configurations, has long-range observation sensors and radars, and can carry a wide range of additional payloads such as: ELINT, COMINT, special and more. The standout feature of the HERON MK II is its ability to perform Standoff Capability, gathering intelligence from tens of kilometers away without crossing borders, thanks to its ability to carry larger and improved sensors.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is Israel’s major aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial and astronautic systems for both military and civilian usage. IAI designs, develops and produces civil aircraft, drones, fighter aircraft, missile, avionics, and space-based systems. Many of these products are specially suited for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) needs, while others are also marketed to foreign militaries. It has 15,000 employees as of 2018. IAI is completely state-owned by the government of Israel.
