Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) Bird Eye 500 mini unmanned air vehicle made its first flight on 14 June in Nuenen, the Netherlands. The demonstration paves the way for the launch of a marketing campaign for the Bird Eye in civil applications by Dutch company Condor. The vehicle, made by the Malat division of IAI, has a 5kg (11lb) take-off weight; an 850g payload; 200cm (80in) wing span and an overall length of 160cm. The electrically powered aircraft, which can be launched by hand or by bungee, also has an endurance of over 1h, a maximum speed of 60kt (110km/h) and can operate at altitudes of 1,000ft (300m).
Source: Flight International
