Heron UAV passes trans-Andes flight test

23 Oct 2012By Arie Egozi – FG

Tel Aviv - Israel Aerospace Industries' Heron unmanned air vehicle has crossed the Andes during an operational flight demonstration conducted in a Latin American country.

Performed last month, the flight demonstrated the Heron's advanced ability to fly long-range missions using satellite communications for control and activation, IAI says.

During the demonstration, the UAV carried a synthetic aperture radar payload, electro-optical/infrared sensor and a communications intelligence system. The aircraft (file image below) performed reliably during day and night flights made over several days of activity, at ranges extending over 270nm (500km) and to altitudes of more than 25,000ft (7,620m).

The Israeli manufacturer says the system successfully demonstrated its performance under the extreme weather conditions which are typical of the Andes, including strong winds, very heavy cloud cover and icing conditions.