IAI Heron

The IAI Heron (Machatz-1) is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is primarily used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) missions.

The Heron is characterized by its long endurance, capable of staying airborne for over 45 hours. It can carry a variety of payloads, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and communications intelligence (COMINT) systems. This flexibility allows it to perform a wide range of missions in diverse environments.

Key features of the IAI Heron include its automatic takeoff and landing capabilities, satellite communication (SATCOM) for extended range operations, and ability to operate in adverse weather conditions. It is controlled from a ground control station (GCS) and can be operated by a relatively small crew.

The Heron has been deployed by numerous countries worldwide for both military and civilian applications, including border patrol, disaster relief, and environmental monitoring.