Large MALE UAV (Israeli AF name Eitan); one of the largest UAVs in service, capable of strategic ISR and (armed variants) strike, with satellite BLOS control.
| Country | Israel |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Price | No verified unit price; CSV $2-15M not confirmed. Germany leased via Airbus (~$600M lease). |
| Subtype | MALE UAV |
| Role | Strategic ISR / MALE |
| Class | Group 5 MALE UAV |
| Classification | MALE UAV (Group 5) |
| Mission | ISR, Reconnaissance, Communications relay, Strike (armed) |
| Datalink | LOS and satellite (BLOS) |
| Variants | Heron TP / Eitan |
| Notable partners | Airbus (Germany lease); Pratt & Whitney Canada (engine) |
| MTOW (kg) | 4650 |
| Operators | Israel (IAF), Germany (leased), India (ordered) |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 14 |
| Propulsion | Turboprop |
| Range (km) | 7400 |
| Wingspan (m) | 26 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Exported/leased (Germany, India) |
| Launch method | Runway |
| Autonomy level | Automatic takeoff/landing; remotely operated |
| Endurance (min) | 4200 |
| Recovery method | Runway |
| Year introduced | 2010 |
| Max payload (kg) | 1000 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 370 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR, SAR, Maritime patrol radar |
| Production status | In production |
| Notable engagements | Reported support roles in IDF Gaza operations |
| Service ceiling (m) | 14000 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Gaza operations (Cast Lead 2008-09, Protective Edge 2014) |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – BVLOS |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV, Comms relay, ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Range / endurance | Long endurance (>24 hrs) |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-dependent, RCS – large |
| Speed regime | High (150–400 km/h) |
| Strike depth / operational role | Missile-drone / cruise-drone hybrid (jet-powered, e.g. Palianytsia, Peklo), Mothership / relay (carrier drone launching FPVs or extending link range) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – MALE (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |