Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed two deals, one to sell and one to lease two Heron MKII UAV systems to a central Asian country. The systems include reconnaissance payloads, Heron MK II drones, and land arrays.
The Heron MK II reaches an altitude of 35,000 feet, maximum speed of 140 knots, and can stay in the air for up to 45 hours. Thanks to improved production technologies, the Heron MK II has a wider and stronger chassis enabling quick and easy maintenance without affecting the UAV’s net weight. The UAV enables the use of new configurations and has a long-range reconnaissance sensor and radar. It can carry a range of additional payloads like COMINT and ELINT equipment.
The UAV’s outstanding characteristic is its standoff capability, i.e., the capability of gathering intelligence on targets from a long range (dozens of miles) with no need to cross borders, thanks to its ability to carry larger, improved sensors. In addition, the Heron MK II boasts improved avionics and an improved and reinforced engine.
