Strategic UAVs
IAI's medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) systems are rugged and combat-proven, with hundreds of thousands of flight hours. They can perform complex intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions in any weather and over any terrain. Multiple combat-proven configurations also support maritime patrol and persistent surveillance.
1. Heron TP MALE UAS
IAI Heron TP is an advanced, long-range MALE unmanned aerial system for strategic missions. It is equipped with automatic takeoff and landing (ATOL), satellite communication (SATCOM) for extended range, fully redundant avionics, and other mission systems.
Heron TP is designed as a multi-mission platform to meet both local and international requirements, supporting a range of strategic tasks including intelligence collection, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance using multiple payloads with high reliability.
2. Heron Multi-role MALE UAS
The Heron family provides MALE UAS capabilities for strategic and tactical missions. Heron can operate at high altitude with long endurance. The platform is combat-proven across hundreds of thousands of flight hours and supports a wide range of mission types for numerous global operators.
Heron is a multi-mission system that can carry up to six different mission payloads concurrently, enabling complex ISTAR operations across varied environments, including forests, jungle or marsh, maritime, or urban areas. The system can be configured with customer-specific sensor suites.
Heron sensors provide ISTAR data in real time to ground and tactical end users via line-of-sight or satellite communications. This effectively makes Heron’s operational range limited primarily by fuel supply, with mission reach well beyond the immediate base.
3. Heron MK II MALE UAV
Heron MK II is an updated MALE UAV in the Heron family, fielded by several air forces and operators worldwide. Using advanced technologies developed by IAI, Heron MK II is a strategic multi-role aircraft capable of carrying a variety of payloads.
Equipped with modern engines and improved structures, Heron MK II attains high-altitude and long-endurance performance while providing a wider, stronger airframe for easier maintenance without weight penalties.
Heron MK II supports new configurations such as long-range EO/IR sensors and radar, and can carry a broad set of additional payloads including ELINT, COMINT, ESM, communications relay and other specialized systems. A notable capability is over-the-horizon intelligence collection without crossing borders, enabled by larger and improved sensors.
Long Runner Remote Operations
The Heron family has been enhanced with remote operation capabilities that support missions from infrastructure-minimal, remote locations, all via satellite communications. With these features, Heron can automatically land on a remote runway thousands of kilometers from its operating base, be serviced by a small team with minimal refueling infrastructure, and then launch for additional sorties.
Long Runner enables distributed operations, such as launching from one country and landing in another for refueling or reconfiguration, while command and further sorties can be conducted remotely. This concept increases payload flexibility and allows rapid re-role of airframes for multiple mission types.
Based on SATCOM and precise ATOL functionality, this capability increases operational flexibility without the need to deploy a full ground control and flight crew at forward bases. Satellite control also reduces flight crew resource requirements, flight time and fuel use, and improves task availability and landing flexibility for routine and emergency situations. The Long Runner concept extends Heron UAS applicability to more complex global missions.
Airborne Persistent Coverage and Multi-Target Tracking
IAI's Heron UAS is a multi-mission, multi-sensor ISTAR persistent airborne solution capable of simultaneously tracking hundreds of distinct targets. The system provides an optimal sensor spectrum—EO/IR, radar, and SIGINT—with integrated automatic multi-INT processing. Heron operates day or night and in all weather conditions.
Tactical UAVs
For medium-range surveillance for situational awareness, protection, reconnaissance, target acquisition or damage assessment, IAI's tactical UAS family provides flexibility, ruggedness and durability suitable for military, law enforcement and homeland security missions.
The tactical Heron is a multi-mission, multi-payload tactical UAS derived from the Heron legacy. It is designed to deliver high-quality real-time intelligence collection and transmission for military, law enforcement and homeland security operations. Equipped with a broadband data link, the tactical Heron can be upgraded to beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS / SATCOM) operation. It is runway-independent and can operate from semi-prepared airstrips. Interoperability with existing UAS infrastructure and assets is a key advantage.
Searcher Mk III Tactical UAS
Searcher Mk III is a compact multi-mission tactical UAS for surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, artillery adjustment and damage assessment. It is designed for military, law enforcement and homeland security missions and provides high-quality real-time intelligence collection and transmission even when operating at distance from the mission area.
BirdEye 650D Mini Tactical UAS
BirdEye 650D is an advanced, cost-effective, long-endurance small tactical UAS that provides real-time stable day/night imagery for urban operations and mountainous intelligence tasks. A standard BirdEye 650D system includes three aircraft integrated into a single system mounted on a ground vehicle and can be operated by a three-person team from either permanent or portable terminals.
The BirdEye 650D system is designed for missions such as:
- Reconnaissance (ISTAR)
- Urban operations
- Counterterrorism
- Patrol and convoy escort
- Radio relay
- Law enforcement
It also supports commercial applications such as mapping, pipeline and powerline inspection, water and pollution management for land and maritime areas, rapid disaster-area assessment, mining and precision agriculture.
BirdEye 650 Mobile UAS
At the tactical level, military, police, internal security, homeland security and border protection units require actionable intelligence and real-time information. Building on operational experience from BirdEye 400, the BirdEye 650 UAS is a portable solution that enables lower echelons to obtain real-time intelligence independently of higher-level sources.
The system is rapidly deployable by two teams, packed into two backpacks, and includes:
- 3 UAV platforms
- Electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) payloads for stable day/night operation
- Advanced portable ground control system (PGCS)
- Data link
- Power and maintenance kits
BirdEye 650 UAS endurance reaches up to about 4 hours with a range of roughly 20 km. Its soft-deck real-time camera provides high-resolution daytime or nighttime imagery with broad, unobstructed coverage. A patented flip-landing maneuver secures payloads during landing. A mini-launcher enables simple and reliable launches; flight including takeoff and landing is fully automatic. Electric propulsion lowers acoustic signature and detection probability while reducing lifecycle costs.
WanderB-VTOL Electric Micro UAS
IAI and BlueBird Aero Systems collaborate on VTOL UAS technologies. WanderB-VTOL is a hybrid fixed-wing UAV that combines the endurance and coverage advantages of fixed-wing platforms with the vertical takeoff, landing and hover capabilities of multirotor aircraft.
Fixed-wing advantages: extended endurance, high-speed operations in adverse conditions, large area coverage and safe glide landing.
Multirotor advantages: takeoff and landing in confined areas (for example, ship decks, small forest clearings, urban rooftops), soft and precise landings, and the ability to hover over areas of interest.
WanderB-VTOL is a versatile system for covert, real-time extended-range ISTAR operations, providing rapid GPS-tagged HD video, tactical photogrammetry on demand, and other intelligence assets.
ThunderB-VTOL Small Tactical VTOL
ThunderB-VTOL, developed in collaboration with BlueBird Aero Systems, is a hybrid fixed-wing UAV offering operational flexibility and combining fixed-wing endurance with multirotor vertical lift and hover capabilities. It supports covert, real-time extended-range and endurance ISTAR operations while delivering rapid GPS-tagged HD video, tactical photogrammetry and other intelligence assets.
Ground Control Systems
Centralized command and control improves real-time fleet operations for advanced UAS missions. IAI's Mission Operations and Intelligence Center (MOIC) and the Unified Control Station (UCS) are ground control solutions designed to handle large volumes of data from multiple offline and online sensors, optimizing mission workflows and conserving personnel and resources.
1. Unified Control Station (UCS)
The UCS is IAI's fifth-generation ground control station (GCS), adaptable for installation in command centers, mobile shelters, rooms, ships or vehicles. The interior separates equipment and operator areas to provide a quiet, ergonomic workspace. The UCS features an open, modular architecture to allow hardware and software portability, scalability and upgrades. Hardware is based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment.
Each console is designed for a single operator to perform multiple tasks concurrently. Information collected by airborne sensors and payloads is displayed in multi-layer displays. Data are encrypted and presented for operator interaction. The console fully supports full-HD EO, IR, SAR, MPR, ISAR, weather radar, TCAS, SIGINT and other specialized payload displays.
The fully redundant architecture provides hardware hot backups as well as operational data and workflow redundancy to ensure mission continuity. Each UCS supports up to six consoles. The architecture follows a client-server design and is compatible with STANAG 4586 ED-2, requiring vehicle-specific module (VSM) servers.
The system includes a VSM to connect all IAI/MALAT UAV types (from BirdEye to Heron TP) to the UCS application, enabling operation of multiple UAS types from the same UCS.
UCS supports remote ATOL (automatic takeoff, taxi and landing), requiring minimal UAV technicians for refueling and servicing. Special sensors support automated taxi, takeoff, departure, arrival and landing functions.
Communications: UCS can be delivered with LOS and SATCOM data terminals to enable extended operational ranges. It is based on STANAG 4586 and supports connection to other IAI UCS instances, MOIC, or customer C2/C4I systems.
Implementation: UCS is realized as a distributed application comprised of multiple server-side services responsible for command and control aspects. Client applications aggregate data into a WPF application for display and user interaction. UCS also offers web-based accessibility using modern open-source frameworks, enabling access from tablets and mobile phones.
2. Mission Operations and Intelligence Center (MOIC)
Centralized command and control maximizes mission workflow efficiency. An integrated MOIC manages large volumes of data collected from EO, radar, COMINT and ELINT sensors. The MOIC modular layout includes mission operation units, commander units, development centers, C2 units, a comprehensive trainer, SATCOM facilities, support facilities and data storage, and can be tailored to specific operational needs.
By colocating pilots, mission operators, ISR analysts and decision-makers, MOIC provides a shared operational picture and enables integrated management of multiple unmanned platforms and payloads or of mixed UAS and manned fleets. This improves mission workflow efficiency, real-time fleet coordination, security and protection of ground assets. MOIC also reduces personnel and resources otherwise required to process data from multiple sensors, perform real-time processing and archive raw and processed information for later analysis.
An integrated full-mission trainer supports operator training through realistic exercises.
Training
1. UAS Mission Trainer (UMT)
The UAS Mission Trainer (UMT) is a high-fidelity mission trainer designed to substitute expensive training flight hours by providing high training value. UMT addresses growing needs for advanced training aids that match UAS mission complexity while reducing overall training costs.
UMT supports training at all stages for all UAS crew roles (pilots, payload operators, unified UAS operators and external pilots) and provides single, team and multi-team training capabilities. It is based on an instructor operator station separated from trainee areas to enhance training realism and flexibility, with integrated operational components and off-the-shelf modules to improve simulation fidelity.
The UMT architecture uses modular components that are easily replaceable and upgradeable and supports embedded standards such as HLA and STANAG 4586 for multi-scenario training and integration with operational UAS elements. UMT has been delivered to early customers and is a key element of the IAI UAS Academy.
2. UAS Academy
IAI's UAS Academy provides operator and technician training and certification, drawing on decades of experience in UAS design, manufacture, operation and training. The academy offers comprehensive training solutions across military, paramilitary and civil missions, using a cross-platform training concept similar to manned flight schools to deliver consistent, high-quality, shorter and cost-effective UAS training for customers regardless of platform vendor.
The academy delivers curricula from candidate screening to basic flight and payload operations through advanced team training and UAS instructor courses. Facilities and training aids include computer-based training, partial simulators, the UAS Mission Trainer and flightline services to support practical experience. As a center of UAS expertise, the academy consolidates training knowledge and operational lessons from a diverse customer base.
Legacy and Historical Systems
Hunter RQ-5A
The first RQ-5A Hunter units entered U.S. Army service in 1985. Designed as a robust platform with high survivability, the Hunter could operate from unprepared runways and featured twin engines for redundancy. It was the first operational platform with a fully integrated multi-sensor gyro-stabilized payload suite designed for ISR missions. The Hunter supported multiple conflicts including Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, and after numerous upgrades remained in service. The Hunter fleet accumulated over 100,000 flight hours with the U.S. Army.
