Israel's defence ministry has blocked a contract to sell Aeronautics Defense Systems Dominator XP unmanned air systems to Abu Dhabi, after reviewing the contents of the deal.

Aeronautics declined to comment on the ministry's decision, while the defence ministry said it would not comment on the matter of defence exports.

However, sources in Abu Dhabi claimed a downpayment linked to a sale of equipment including the Dominator had already been made, and that deliveries had been due to start soon.

Aeronautics Defense Systems Dominator II

 © Aeronautics Defense Systems

 

Based on the Diamond DA42 twin-engined aircraft, the Dominator XP has been adapted to comply with the terms of the international Missile Technology Control Regime.

The company's baseline Dominator 2 design can be flown to an altitude of 30,000ft (9,150m) and achieve a maximum speed of 190kt (352km/h). With a maximum take-off weight of 2,000kg (4,409lb), including a 300kg payload, the aircraft has an endurance of up to 28h.

Source: Flight International