Controp, Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries' Tamam division have emerged as the bidders to supply a multi-sensor payload for the Israeli air force's new IAI Heron TP (Eitan) unmanned air vehicle.
While the air force confirms only that it is seeking "a very capable payload", sources indicate that the approximately 80kg (176lb) package is likely to include electro-optical/infrared sensors, a still image capability and a laser designator. Tamam marketing director Igal Mevorach says the selected system will also be more advanced than the company's Mosp 3000 sensor suite, which equips Israel's current Heron (Machatz) UAVs.
The Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6 turboprop-powered Eitan is Israel's largest UAV, with a 26m (85ft) wing span and a 4t maximum take-off weight. Sources assess that the aircraft has an endurance of over 70h and an operating ceiling of 45,000ft. The design's composite fuselage enables it to carry large-volume payloads, and to perform some long-range missions currently undertaken using manned aircraft.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
