Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is preparing to fly a new technology demonstrator unmanned air vehicle developed to explore options for lower cost, but expanded capability next-generation tactical systems.
Shlomo Tsach, director of flight sciences at IAI, says the UAV, designated 150K, is "planned to fly this month". The 150K is externally similar to IAI's baseline I-View tactical UAV, but incorporates improvements to the overall air vehicle design. These include miniaturised avionics to reduce weight and an extensively revised, single piece all-composite fuselage with integrated inboard wings. The air vehicle retains the I-View parafoil landing system.
Speaking at the European Commission's 12th UAVNET meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania on 9 December, Tsach said the 150K demonstrator is expected "to show two times more performance and two times more payload at half the price. Two times two. In the past most of our intention was to fly a UAV, today we are looking for better performance and better cost." Images displayed by Tsach during his presentation suggest at least two 150K air vehicles have been built under the demonstration programme.
Cost reductions being explored under the programme include reducing the number of parts in the overall air vehicle and by "reducing the assembly time". This later aspect has seen the development of new-build concepts for the aircraft, with this including development of alternative tooling and jig concepts.
A smaller, new-generation mini-UAV demonstrator designated 50K is also being worked on. Graphics shown by Tsach placed the 50K between IAI's Bird-Eye close-range mini-UAV and the I-View in size and capability.
PETER LA FRANCHI / VILNIUS
Source: Flight International
