IAI signs sale and lease contract with Asian country for Heron Mk II UAVs


Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed a sale and lease contract for two Heron Mk II unmanned aerial vehicles with an undisclosed country in Asia, the company announced last week, echoed by The Jerusalem Post. Each system, including the UAVs, ground systems and sensors for collecting intelligence, costs tens of millions of dollars.

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IAI signs sale and lease contract with Asian country for Heron Mk II UAVs

The Mk II is the most advanced model in the Heron MLE UAV line, can reach an altitude of 35,000 feet, a max speed of 140 knots and a max flight time of 45 hours (Picture source : IAI )


As a member of the Heron family, the Heron MK II has a significant appeal to Heron customers around the world as it operates under the same operational concepts. 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.

Fitted with a 4-stroke 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. 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. In addition, the Heron MK II has an improved engine and avionics.

"I welcome the signing of the two Heron MK II system deals," said Moshe Levy, IAI executive vice president and general manager of the Military Aircraft Group. "The systems will operate in the terrestrial configuration and will fulfill various tasks, including border protection. The Heron MK II UAVs are suitable for landing at any airport and are capable of flying even in extreme weather conditions. I am confident that these deals will promote further deals of the Heron MK II systems."
The Heron MK II joins the IAI’s Heron UAS family, which for over 50 years has flown over 1,800,000 combat flight hours with over 50 operational customers who use the drones in a range of missions, environmental conditions and battle theaters across the globe.