December 29, 2007: Although Israel sold Heron UAVs to Turkey, in
a deal worth $190 million, back in 2004, the aircraft have not entered service
yet. That's because Turkish firms were to supply some of the components, like
the cameras, and delivery was scheduled for October 2007. But the Turkish
camera suppliers had some problems integrating their equipment with the UAV, delaying
service until early 2008. But the Turks are fighting Kurdish separatists in
northern Iraq at the moment, and really need those UAVs. So the Israeli
manufacturer made an interim deal to supply wholly Israeli Herons, along with
support personnel, on a $10 million lease. Because this is a wartime situation,
details like the number of Herons supplied.
The Turks were to get a new generation
of Heron UAVs, called Shoval. It is is basically a direct competitor to the
American Predator A (or MQ-1). The Shoval weighs about the same (1.2 tons), and
has the same endurance (40 hours). Shoval has a slightly higher ceiling
(30,000, versus 25,000 feet) and software which allows it to automatically take
off, carry out a mission, and land automatically. Only the larger, and much
more expensive, American Global Hawk can do this. Both Predator and Shoval cost
about the same ($5 million), although the Israelis are willing to be flexible
on price. The Shoval does have a larger wingspan (51 feet) than the Predator
(41 feet) and a payload of about 300 pounds.
The latest version of the Heron UAV,
the Heron TP (also known as Eitan) uses a powerful (1,200 horsepower) turbo
prop engine to enable the 4.6 ton aircraft to operate at 45,000 feet. That is,
above commercial air traffic, and all the air-traffic-control regulations that
discourage, and often forbid, UAV use at the same altitude as commercial
aircraft. The Heron TP has a one ton payload, enabling it to carry sensors that
can give a detailed view of what's on the ground, even from that high up. The endurance of 36 hours
makes the Heron TP a competitor for the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper (or Predator B). The
Heron line of UAVs has been around longer than the Predators, and have a
comparable track record.
