‘ Heron was recently demonstrated successfully and according to the plan, this time in Greece, as part of a demonstration held by the European Union agency, Frontex.
During the demonstration a number of IAI payloads were employed successfully to detect potential targets, for monitoring anti-smuggling and other illegal activity operations in both the ground and maritime arenas. Among the payloads demonstrated were IAI’s Tamam Division Multi-mission Optronic Stabilized Payload (MOSP), and ELTA’s, an IAI group and subsidiary, Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR). Heron UAS’ successfully demonstrated precise ISR capabilities and Automatic Takeoff and Landing (ATOL) which allow Heron full operational activity in difficult weather conditions.
Frontex, a specialized and independent EU body, is tasked with coordinating operational cooperation between Member States in the field of border security. The demonstration took place at the Hellenic Air-Force base Aktio, in the presence of representatives from various European countries’ Border-Police and Coast-Guard forces as well as the Hellenic Coast Guard.
“Demonstrations like the one in Greece help Frontex understand whether there are possibilities for a civilian use of such technologies. Our main interest is their potential use for border control and for search and rescue operations at sea, as saving human lives is one of our priorities”, said Edgar Beugels, Head of Frontex Research and Development.
The Heron is in operational use with over 18 customers worldwide including the Brazilian Federal Police. Its capabilities for monitoring anti-smuggling and other illegal activities were demonstrated to the Australian Customs and the Spanish Guardia Civil.
Source: Press Release
This article talks about capabilities of the payload carried by long-endurance UA, which are already known. What I am missing is any mention about how the safety hurdles will be overcome – will the UA receive full COA or be operated in segregated airpsace?