Tactical Heron
Product descripton: Tactical Heron by IAI / Israel Aerospace Industries
Evolved from the proven Heron Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) family, the Tactical Heron brings IAI’s latest technologies to demanding intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at the tactical level. This long-endurance, multi-payload UAS supports ground forces while performing ISTAR operations over the horizon and Beyond the Line of Sight (BLOS), offering multi-mission versatility, long-range communications, certified performance, and advanced autonomy for operational effectiveness.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Multi-mission, multi-payload: up to 4 payloads carriage capability simultaneously for multiple operational configurations
- Certified low-noise electronic-controlled fuel injection engine
- Short takeoff and landing (STOL), including from semi-prepared airfields
- Wide band Datalink, with optional Beyond Line of sight (BLOS / SATCOM)
- Certifiable to STANAG 4671
- Safe, reliable and easy operation
- Automatic Taxi-Takeoff-Landing (ATOL system) with Remote ATOL capability
- Fully redundant, state-of-the-art avionics
- Fully automated (Fly-the-Mission)
- Adverse weather capability
Multi-Mission Payloads
The Tactical Heron offers multi-mission versatility, carrying and operating up to four payloads simultaneously in multiple configurations. Its diverse payloads include electro-optical/infrared, maritime patrol radar or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and electronic Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), providing unparalleled multi-intelligence capabilities. Operable at a distance exceeding 250 km using the wideband datalink, its optional SATCOM communications extend the range beyond 1,000 km.
Certified Performance
Designed as a certifiable platform, IAI’s Tactical Heron is powered by a certified low-noise electronic fuel injection engine, enabling the aircraft to operate at a ceiling of 23,000 ft, including in adverse weather conditions. It can dash to the mission area at a maximum speed of 120 KTAS and then loiter as slow as 60–80 KTAS for optimal area coverage, achieving a total mission endurance of over 24 hours.
Advanced Autonomy
The platform uses advanced, fully redundant avionics and autonomy to implement a fully automated “fly-the-mission” mode, enabling the crew to focus on the mission.
Operational Flexibility
The Tactical Heron carries up to 180 kg of payload at a maximum take-off weight of 600 kg. It can operate from semi-prepared airfields, performing automatic, short take-offs and landings under local control or via SATCOM.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max. Takeoff Weight | 600 kg |
| Max. Payload Weight | 180 kg |
| Overall Length | 7.3 m |
| Wingspan | 10.6 m |
| Endurance | >24 h |
| Range (LOS) | <250 km |
| Range (BLOS) | >1,000 km |
| Operational Altitude | 23,000 ft |
| Loiter Speed | 60–80 KTAS |
| Maximum Speed | 120 KTAS |
| Takeoff & Landing System | Automatic Taxi-Takeoff-Landing (ATOL) |
| Engine | Certified electronically controlled fuel injection engine |