News

IAF plans full operational capability for Heron TP from 2010

August 14, 2009

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) says that it expects to achieve full operational capability with its Israel Aerospace Industries Heron TP or “Eitan’ endurance unmanned air system during 2010 with the type undergoing operational acceptance testing since January.

The service has also moved to clarify technical details on the new aircraft, revealing that its operational ceiling is in fact 41,000ft with this determined by restrictions on the use of its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6 turboprop engine above that altitude.

The type has a fully laden endurance of more than 24hrs with when carrying a full payload according to MAJ Ram Sela, head of operational requirements development in the IAF’s unmanned air vehicle branch. That figure is significantly below the estimated 70hr endurance however it could be reached if the type was flown in an unladen configuration.

“Endurance? We talk about above 24hr in full load if you fly above your base. If you need to fly far away, it depends on how far you fly” said Sela.

The maximum take off weight of the aircraft is 5000kg Sela told the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s annual conference in Washington 13 August. That figure is 1000kg heavier than previously detailed. The maximum fuel load is 1800kg with this separate to the specified 1000kg payload capacity.

Sela said the Heron TP development program was initiated in 2003 after an extended series of discussions between the IAF, Israeli Ministry of Defense and Israeli industry.

The type made its first flight in July 2006 he said. “Initial operational evaluation began in January 2009 and full operational capability is scheduled for next year”.

The maximum operational altitude of 41,000ft was set as part of work to ensure the aircraft would be capable of certification for operations in non segregated airspace, with safety restrictions paramount in determining the final operational envelope. But he said that maximum safe altitude has been flown: “We have already been there, we fly there….

“The height is limited because of the certification and the engine capacity could get it up to 45,000ft.”

The 1000kg payload provision is distributed between the fuselage and tail booms. The forward internal bay can carry 500kg and has an internal space capacity totalling 1450lt. A second 500kg can be carried on the underbelly.

The fuselage fuel tank bay has a volume of 980lt; however that does not translate to a direct fuel load equivalent.

Sela said the aircraft can also carry a further 150kg of payload in each tail boom. This would however necessitate trades between fuel and payload.

By Peter La Franchi / Asia Pacific Editor