June 23, 2007:
An Israeli firm has developed a
high-altitude version of the Heron UAV. The Heron TP uses a powerful (1,200
horsepower) turbo prop engine to enable
the 4.6 ton aircraft to operate at 45,000 feet. That is, above commercial air
traffic, and all the air-traffic-control regulations that discourage, and often
forbid, UAV use at the same altitude as commercial aircraft. The Heron TP has a
one ton payload, enabling it to carry sensors that can give a detailed view of
what's on the ground from that high up. The endurance of 36 hours makes the
Heron TP a competitor for the MQ-9 Reaper (or Predator B). The Heron line of
UAVs has been around longer than the Predators, and have a comparable track
record. India and European nations are the most likely buyers of the Heron TP,
which would be suitable for maritime patrol as well.