Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is developing a new high-altitude long-endurance unmanned air vehicle to meet the operational requirements of the Israeli air force. To have a maximum take-off weight of 3,900kg (8,600lb), the developmental air vehicle, dubbed Eitan, will be powered by a single turboprop engine and have an operational endurance of more than 50h, according to local sources. The Eitan air vehicle will have an overall length of 13m (42.5ft) and a 26m wingspan, and be capable of operating autonomously, including during take-off and landing. Once fielded, the new IAI design will be the largest unmanned system in the Israeli air force inventory.
Source: Flight International
