The IAI Eitan, also known as Heron TP, is a reconnaissance Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed in Israel in the early 2000s by the Israel Aerospace Industries.[1]
A medium-altitude, long endurance UAV, the Eitan can operate at altitudes above commercial air traffic and features all-weather capability, de-icing systems, automatic takeoff and landing systems, and triple-redundant avionics. IAI Eitan is a high-wing cantilever monoplane with wings of high aspect ratio and it has retractable chassis. A single turboprop engine is mounted in the rear fuselage, driving a pusher propeller. Construction throughout is of composite materials.[1]
IAI Eitan at the Le Bourget Air Show, 2007. [2] 1
Specifications: [1][4]
| Capacity | 2000 kg payload |
| Max takeoff weight | 4650 kg |
| Length | 13 m |
| Wingspan | 26 m |
| Powerplant | 1 x Pratt & Whitney PT6A, 900 kW |
| Range | 7400 km |
| Endurance | 70 hours |
| Service ceiling | 14000 m |
| Cruising speed | 296 km/h |
| Maximum speed | 460 km/h |
The onboard equipment of IAI Eitan includes: systems of tracking and target detection (in the optical, infrared, and radio diapasons), satellite navigation. There are plans to equip it with the means of fire control and strike systems.[4]
References:
1. IAI Eitan. – Mode of access: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAI_Eitan.
2. File:IAI Eitan cropped.jpg. – Mode of access: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IAI_Eitan_cropped.jpg.
3. NEWSru.co.il // Фото // Презентация БПЛА “Eitan” в день приема на вооружение ВВС ЦАХАЛа. База Тель-Ноф, 21 февраля 2010 года. – Mode of access: http://txt.newsru.co.il/pict/big/479561.html.
4. IAI Eitan. – Mode of access: http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAI_Eitan.
5. Israel Aerospace Industries. – Mode of access: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Aerospace_Industries.
6. IAI. – Mode of access: http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAI.
7. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. – Mode of access: http://www.iai.co.il/.
1 Author released this work into the public domain.