Heron TP © Israel Aerospace Industries
Dassault has proposed an interim solution consisting of leasing Israel Aerospace Industries Heron TP UAS to answer the urgent operational needs of the French Armed Forces. The news was announced by Dassault chief executive Charles Edelstenne to the lower house of the French Parliament during a recent discussion.
The IAI-built system would be adapted to meet French requirements and could be available in about a year. The Ministry of Defence is understood to be studying the proposal. The French army currently operates IAI’s Heron 1 UAS, with three systems deployed in support of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan and a fourth used in France. The type – dubbed the Harfang – was delivered through a joint venture between IAI and EADS.
Recently fielded by the Israeli air force as the “Eitan”, IAI’s new-generation Heron TP has not yet been exported, and any tie-up with Dassault would have to be approved by the Israeli defence ministry. IAI has also offered its Heron-series air vehicles to other European nations in partnership with German firm Rheinmetall Defence Electronics. The companies currently supply Herons for use by the German air force in Afghanistan under Berlin’s interim “Saateg” surveillance programme.
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engine, the medium-altitude, long-endurance Heron TP has a maximum take-off weight of over 4,000kg (8,820lb). Capable of carrying large-volume payloads, the aircraft can fly above 45,000ft (13,700m) and has a reported maximum mission endurance of greater than 70h.
Full article available at Flight Global.