Israeli unmanned air vehicle manufacturer Aeronautics Defense Systems has launched the series production of its Dominator system, with negotiations on a sale under way with more than one potential customer.
"We hope to sign a contract very soon," says company president Avi Leumi.
Based on the Diamond DA42 light twin, the Dominator 2 (below) has a maximum take-off weight of 2,000kg (6,560lb), including a payload of up to 300kg. Service ceiling is 30,000ft (9,150m), top speed 190kt (350km/h) and its maximum endurance is cited at 28h.
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Leumi says the Dominator is aimed at the high end of the medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV, competing directly with types such as the General Atomics Predator and Israel Aerospace Industries Heron.
The Aeronautics type is already in operational use with the Turkish army. Its lease arrangement sees the Israeli company's operators perform take-offs and landings and Turkish personnel control missions.
Aeronautics last year teamed up with Boeing to jointly offer MALE UAV services, with their initial marketing efforts to be made by the US partner in NATO member countries, plus Australia, Austria and Switzerland.
Source: Flight International
