View source for IAI Heron

{{Short description|Long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
 | name= Heron
 | image= IAI Heron( framed).jpg
 | caption= IAI Heron 1 UAV in flight
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
 | type= [[Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle]]
 | national origin= [[Israel]]
 | manufacturer= [[Israel Aerospace Industries]]
 | designer=
 | first flight=1994
 | introduced=2005
 | retired=
 | status=Active, in production
 | unit cost= $10M<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isr.umd.edu/~austin/enes489p/projects2011a/BorderSecurity-Air-Team-FinalReport.pdf |title=Border Security: Air Team – Final Report |publisher=Isr.umd.edu |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311233801/http://www.isr.umd.edu/~austin/enes489p/projects2011a/BorderSecurity-Air-Team-FinalReport.pdf |archive-date=11 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 | primary user= [[Israeli Defence Force]]
 | more users= [[Indian Air Force]] <br /> [[Brazilian Federal Police]] <br /> [[Turkish Air Force]] <!--Limited to three in total; separate using <br /> -->
 | number built=
 | developed from=
 | variants with their own articles= [[EADS Harfang]] <br /> [[IAI Eitan]] <br /> [[Avionics Services Caçador]]
}}
|}
[[File:IAI Heron nose.jpg|thumb|IAI Heron on display at the [[Paris Air Show]] 2009]]
[[File:4X-UMF A.jpg|thumb|IAI Super Heron at an Air Show to commemorate 40 years of UAVs in Israel]]
[[File:IAI Heron 1 operators.JPEG|thumb|right|Controlling the [[UAV]] for experimental purposes at the [[Fallon Naval Air Station]]]]

The '''IAI Heron''' ('''Machatz-1''') is a [[medium-altitude long-endurance]] [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] (UAV) developed by the Malat
(UAV) division of [[Israel Aerospace Industries]]. It is capable of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) operations of up to 52 hours' duration at up to 10.5&nbsp;km (35,000&nbsp;ft). It has demonstrated 52 hours of continuous flight, but the effective operational maximal flight duration is less, according to payload and flight profile. An advanced version, the Heron TP, is also known as the [[IAI Eitan]].

On 11 September 2005, it was announced that the [[Israel Defense Forces]] purchased US$50 million worth of Heron systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iai.co.il/Default.aspx?docID=33336&FolderID=32540&lang=EN |title=Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. – Home page |publisher=Iai.co.il |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051216062710/http://www.iai.co.il/Default.aspx?docID=33336&FolderID=32540&lang=EN |archive-date=16 December 2005 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Design and development==
The Heron navigates using an internal [[GPS navigation device]], and either a pre-programmed flight profile (in which case the system is fully autonomous from takeoff to landing), manual override from a [[UAV ground control station|ground control station]], or a combination of both. It can autonomously return to base and land in case of lost communication with the ground station. The system has fully automatic launch and recovery (ALR) and all-weather capabilities.

The Heron can carry an array of sensors, including [[thermographic camera]] (infrared) and visible-light [[airborne ground surveillance]], intelligence systems ([[COMINT]] and [[ELINT]]) and various [[radar]] systems, totaling up to {{convert|250|kg|lb|-1|abbr=on}}. The Heron is also capable of [[target acquisition]] and artillery adjustment.

The payload sensors communicate with the ground control station in real time, using either direct [[Line-of-sight propagation|line of sight]] [[data link]], or via an airborne/satellite relay. Like the navigation system, the payload can also be used in either a fully pre-programmed autonomous mode, or manual real-time remote operation, or a combination of both.

===Super Heron===
At the February 2014 [[Singapore Air Show]], IAI unveiled the '''Super Heron''' refinement of the Heron UAS.  The Super Heron has a 200-horsepower [[diesel engine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-company-unveils-new-super-heron-drone/|title=Israeli company unveils new Super Heron drone|website=[[The Times of Israel]]|access-date=7 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192746/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-company-unveils-new-super-heron-drone/|archive-date=7 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> that increases its rate of climb and performance.  Its range is {{convert|250|km|mi|abbr=on}} line-of-sight and {{convert|1000|km|mi|abbr=on}} by satellite control.  Endurance is 45 hours at a maximum altitude of {{convert|30000|ft|m|abbr=on}}. Cruising speed is {{convert|60|to|80|knot|km/h mph|abbr=on}} and top speed over {{convert|150|knot|km/h mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/IAI-Unveils-Super-Heron-Heavy-Fuel-Unmanned-Aerial-System_n000012365.aspx IAI Unveils Super Heron Heavy Fuel Unmanned Aerial System] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222065342/http://www.deagel.com/news/IAI-Unveils-Super-Heron-Heavy-Fuel-Unmanned-Aerial-System_n000012365.aspx |date=22 February 2014 }} – Deagel.com, 11 February 2014</ref>

== Operational history ==

The Heron saw significant use during Operation [[Cast Lead]] in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]] of 2008–2009. During the deployment, each brigade combat team was assigned a UAV squadron for close support. This was the first Israeli operation in which UAVs, helicopters, and fighter jets were allocated to ground forces directly without IAF central command authorizing sorties. Air-support controller teams operated alongside brigade commanders at the front emphasizing the brigade commander's utilization of direct air assets.<ref name='DefenceNews 2009-03-08'>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4216231&c=FEA&s=INT |title=Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan |access-date=2009-08-04 |last=Opall-Rome |first=Barbara |date=2009-03-08 |work=DefenceNews }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> A high degree of situational awareness was achieved by maintaining at least a dozen UAVs in flight over Gaza at all times. Aerial surveillance was provided by Heron and [[Elbit Hermes 450|Hermes 450]] UAVs and Apache attack helicopters. Along with coordination between the air force and ground troops, Israeli ground forces were able to utilize cooperation with the [[Shin Bet|Israel Security Agency]] by having operatives attached to the forward units. This inter-service coordination allowed for a higher level of tactical awareness and the ability to strike time-critical targets.<ref name='Aviation Week 2009-05-11'>{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/GAZA031109.xml |title=New Tactics Yield Solid Victory in Gaza |access-date=2009-07-03 |last=Eshel |first=David |date=2009-05-11 |work=Aviation Week |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614203423/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2FGAZA031109.xml |archive-date=14 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Other countries operating the Heron include [[Singapore]], [[India]] and [[Turkey]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/Heron-UAV.htm |title=Heron MALE System |publisher=Defense-update.com |date=2005-09-21 |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207024537/http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/Heron-UAV.htm |archive-date=7 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[France]] operates a derivative of Heron named '''Eagle''' or '''Harfang'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/e/eagle-UAV.htm |title=Eagle MALE System |publisher=Defense-update.com |date=2006-09-11 |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928193558/http://www.defense-update.com/products/e/eagle-UAV.htm |archive-date=28 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2008, Canada announced a plan to lease a Heron for use in Afghanistan, starting in 2009.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/08/07/helicopters-military.html | work=CBC News | title=Canadian military acquiring new helicopters, drones | date=2008-08-07 | access-date=8 August 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219103459/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/08/07/helicopters-military.html | archive-date=19 December 2008 | url-status=live }}</ref> In mid-2009, Australia leased two Herons as part of a multimillion-dollar lease to operate the vehicles in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26041896-31477,00.html|title=Capital Circle|publisher=Theaustralian.news.com.au|access-date=2012-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003042736/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26041896-31477,00.html|archive-date=3 October 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> In early July 2013, the Heron reached 15,000 flight hours over [[Afghanistan]].<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2013/07/23903/heron-logs-15000-flight-hours-in-afghanistan/ Heron Logs 15,000 Flight Hours In Afghanistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111203721/http://www.suasnews.com/2013/07/23903/heron-logs-15000-flight-hours-in-afghanistan/ |date=11 November 2013 }} – sUASNews.com, 22 July 2013</ref> Australia concluded its use of the Heron in support of [[Operation Slipper]] in Afghanistan on 30 November 2014, after it had accumulated 27,000 flight hours.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-raaf-heron-flies-at-amberley-alongside-man-424162/ PICTURES: RAAF Heron flies at Amberley alongside manned aircraft] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426142036/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-raaf-heron-flies-at-amberley-alongside-man-424162/ |date=26 April 2016 }} – Flightglobal.com, 13 April 2016</ref> Royal Australian Air Force retired two Herons in June 2017.<ref name="RAAF Heron retire">{{cite press release|url=https://www.airforce.gov.au/News/End-of-an-era-as-our-Heron-departs/?RAAF-XHcFEZJl1xfBEWBR8RuyDbxPSK5dGBM9|title=End of an era, as our Heron departs|publisher=Royal Australian Air Force|date=8 August 2017|access-date=8 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809211032/https://www.airforce.gov.au/News/End-of-an-era-as-our-Heron-departs/?RAAF-XHcFEZJl1xfBEWBR8RuyDbxPSK5dGBM9|archive-date=9 August 2017}}</ref>

Beginning in 2021, [[Malta]]-based Herons have been used by [[Frontex]], the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to monitor migrant activity in the southern [[Mediterranean Sea]]. This activity drew controversy when it was announced that the data gathered would be shared with countries including [[Libya]] and [[Tunisia]]. The concern was that the data could be used to force irregular migrants back to their point of departure, denying them the opportunity to seek asylum in other countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/ewropej/109485/migrant_drone_surveillance_from_malta_mep_questions_informationsharing_with_pullback_countries|title=Migrant drone surveillance from Malta: MEP questions information-sharing with 'pull-back' countries}}</ref>

== Heron variants ==
*[[Turkey]] operates a special variant of the Heron, which utilizes Turkish-designed and manufactured electro-optical subsystems. For example, the Turkish Herons use the ASELFLIR-300T airborne thermal Imaging and targeting system designed and manufactured by [[ASELSAN]] of Turkey. The Turkish Herons also have stronger engines in order to compensate for the added payload created by the heavier ASELFLIR-300T. This is the same [[FLIR]] system currently used in the [[TAI/AgustaWestland T129]] attack helicopter<ref>[http://www.tai.com.tr/prog.aspx?contentDefID=26&page=___Programs__NONE_____INTEGRATED%20HELICOPTER%20SYSTEMS__PROGRAM__2___DESIGN%20&%20DEVELOPMENT%20PROGRAMS__NONE_____%22ATAK%22%20HELICOPTER__PROGRAM__26 ]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720045248/http://www.tai.com.tr/prog.aspx?contentDefID=26&page=___Programs__NONE_____INTEGRATED+HELICOPTER+SYSTEMS__PROGRAM__2___DESIGN+&+DEVELOPMENT+PROGRAMS__NONE_____%22ATAK%22+HELICOPTER__PROGRAM__26 |date=20 July 2010 }}</ref> and also the [[TAI Anka]] [[Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle|MALE UAV]]. IAI staff maintain that the Turkish Heron's "with its enhanced performance, is better than all existing Heron UAVs operating worldwide".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundayszaman.com/sunday/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=175515 |title=Turkey stymied by problems with Israeli Heron UAVs |website=www.sundayszaman.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522142106/http://www.sundayszaman.com/sunday/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=175515 |archive-date=22 May 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Turkish Aerospace Industries]] (TUSAŞ) provides maintenance and overhaul services for its Herons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=8216one-project-still-in-progress-with-israel8217-2011-11-04 |title=WORLD – 'One project still in progress with Israel' |publisher=Hurriyetdailynews.com |date=2011-11-04 |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107003533/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=8216one-project-still-in-progress-with-israel8217-2011-11-04 |archive-date=7 November 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[EADS Harfang]] – variant operated by France

== Operators ==
All exports of the IAI Heron are unarmed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://drones.rusi.org/countries/israel/|title=Armed Drones in the Middle East - Israel|date=2018|publisher=Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)|access-date=21 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213132452/https://drones.rusi.org/countries/israel/|archive-date=13 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:IAI Heron..png|thumb|400x400px|Map with military IAI Heron UAV operators in blue, with former operators in red]]
[[File:Heron RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) on display at Centenary of Military Aviation 2014.jpg|thumb|right|[[Royal Australian Air Force]] Heron RPA]]
{{AZE}}
* [[Azerbaijani Air Forces]] – 15<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.az/articles/politics/57003 |title=List of ammunition purchased by Azerbaijan made public |publisher=News.Az |date=2012-03-27 |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330062654/http://www.news.az/articles/politics/57003 |archive-date=30 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{BRA}}
* [[Brazilian Air Force]] – 15 operated jointly with Federal Police<ref name="JanesBrazil">{{cite web |last1=Barreira |first1=Victor |title=Brazil to resume operations with Heron 1 UAVs |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85703/brazil-to-resume-operations-with-heron-1-uavs |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=15 January 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190115142457/https://www.janes.com/article/85703/brazil-to-resume-operations-with-heron-1-uavs |archive-date=15 January 2019 |location=Rio de Janeiro |date=15 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Federal Police Department|Brazilian Federal Police]] – 15 operated jointly with Air Force<ref name="JanesBrazil"/><ref name="Brazil">{{cite web|url = http://www.defesanet.com.br/br/pf_vant_2.htm|title = Exitosa Demonstração do VANT Heron no Brasil|access-date = 2009-11-05|last = Defesanet|date = August 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091102011116/http://www.defesanet.com.br/br/pf_vant_2.htm|archive-date = 2 November 2009|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Ynet12Nov09">{{cite news|url = http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3803921,00.html|title = Israel to supply Brazil with drones as part of $350M deal|access-date = 2009-11-12|last = Meranda|first = Amnon|newspaper = Ynetnews|date = November 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091115070650/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3803921,00.html|archive-date = 15 November 2009|url-status = live}}</ref>
{{CAN}}
* [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] – 2 in service as of 2011, formerly operated 3<ref name="Flt8">{{cite web|url = http://web.ncf.ca/fn352/flight8/recent.html#UAV|title = Canadian Forces Briefing on UAVs|access-date = 2009-06-30|last = [[Canadian Owners and Pilots Association|COPA]] Flight 8|date = June 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120711071859/http://web.ncf.ca/fn352/flight8/recent.html#UAV|archive-date = 11 July 2012|url-status = live}}</ref>
{{ECU}}
* [[Ecuadorian Navy]] – 2<ref>[http://www.armada.mil.ec/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=505 Armada del Ecuador – ARMADA PRESENTÓ SU AVIONES NO TRIPULADOS –UAV-] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130191712/http://www.armada.mil.ec/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=505 |date=30 January 2010 }} (Spanish)</ref>
{{EU}}
* [[European Border and Coast Guard Agency]] - at least 1<ref>{{Cite web |title=Le Heron 1 de FRONTEX s'installe à Malte |url=https://www.air-cosmos.com/article/le-heron-1-de-frontex-sinstalle-malte-24783 |website=Air et Cosmos |access-date=2021-06-20}}</ref>
{{GER}}
*[[German Air Force]] – 3, including 2 ground stations on an initial one-year lease starting since 2010, with 2-3 more being planned.<ref name="BmVg">{{cite web |title=Mehr als 100 Milliarden Euro für die Bundeswehr – für unsere Sicherheit |url=https://www.bmvg.de/de/aktuelles/mehr-als-100-milliarden-euro-bundeswehr-sicherheit-5362112 |website=www.bmvg.de/ |publisher=BmVg |access-date=27 February 2022}}</ref> Will be replaced by the [[Eurodrone]]
{{GRE}}
* [[Hellenic Air Force]] - 2+1 on lease starting December 2019 which entered service in June 2021<ref>{{cite web|title="Έκλεισε" η συμφωνία για δύο ισραηλινά UAV "HERON" - Θα επιχειρούν από την Κρήτη (in Greek)|url=https://www.pronews.gr/amyna-asfaleia/ypetha/831631_ekleise-i-symfonia-gia-ta-israilina-uav-heron-tha-epiheiroyn-apo-tin|website=Pro news|access-date=25 December 2019|date=23 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Στη βάση των UAV Heron στη Σκύρο o Aρχηγός ΓΕΕΘΑ (in Greek)|url=https://www.in.gr/2021/06/20/greece/sti-vasi-ton-uav-heron-sti-skyro-o-arxigos-geetha/|website=in.gr|access-date=23 June 2021|date=20 June 2021}}</ref>
* [[Hellenic Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Έναρξη πτήσεων Μη Επανδρωμένου Αεροσκάφους που διατέθηκε από τον Οργανισμό FRONTEX στο πλαίσιο βελτίωσης των επιχειρησιακών δυνατοτήτων του Λ.Σ. – ΕΛ.ΑΚΤ. |url=https://www.hcg.gr/el/drasthriothtes/enar3h-pthsewn-mh-epandrwmenoy-aeroskafoys-poy-diate8hke-apo-ton-organismo-frontex-sto-plaisio-beltiwshs-twn-epixeirhsiakwn-dynatothtwn-toy-ls-elakt/ |website=www.hcg.gr |access-date=8 July 2022 |language=Greek}}</ref>
{{IND}}
* [[Indian Army]] - 4 are on lease for 3 years from 2021<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/february/6962-india-leases-four-heron-tp-male-uavs-from-israel.html|title = India leases four Heron TP MALE UAVs from Israel}}</ref>
* [[Indian Air Force]] – 50. 49 on service, 1 crashed in 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/militaryforums/512-20022.aspx |title=Defence Industry Daily: Israel sells heron UAVs to India and Australia |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=2005-11-11 |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929011438/http://www.strategypage.com/militaryforums/512-20022.aspx |archive-date=29 September 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.rediff.com/news/2006/jan/06uav.htm?q=np&file=.htm |title=Indian Navy commissions first UAV squadron |publisher=Us.rediff.com |access-date=2012-11-18}}</ref>
* [[Indian Navy]] – 16<ref name=toi-inas>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-18/ahmedabad/28352057_1_uav-squadron-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-squadron-western-coast | title=Eye in the sky to guard Gujarat coast | date=18 January 2011 | access-date=3 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104115844/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-18/ahmedabad/28352057_1_uav-squadron-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-squadron-western-coast | archive-date=4 November 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{ISR}}
* [[Israeli Defence Force]] – at least 1<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iai.co.il/32540-33336-en/MediaRoom_NewsArchives_2005.aspx |title=Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. – Home page |publisher=Iai.co.il |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424061200/http://www.iai.co.il/32540-33336-en/MediaRoom_NewsArchives_2005.aspx |archive-date=24 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{KOR}}
* [[Republic of Korea Army]] – 3 on order as of 2014<ref>[http://defense-update.com/20141217_heron_for_south_korea.html#.VJhdvrDw Seoul is buying US and Israeli drones] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226075255/http://defense-update.com/20141217_heron_for_south_korea.html#.VJhdvrDw |date=26 December 2014 }} – Defense-Update.com, 17 December 2014</ref>{{Update inline|date=November 2021}}
{{MLT}}
* [[Maltese Air Force]] - at least 1
{{flag|Morocco}}
* [[Royal Moroccan Air Force]] – three bought in 2014<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Operating From The Shadows: Morocco's UAV Fleet |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2021/10/operating-from-shadows-moroccos-uav.html |website=Oryx Blog |access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref>
{{SIN}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/mar/02mar11_nr3/02mar11_speech/02mar11_fs1.html |title=News – Fact Sheet: Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) (02 Mar 11) |publisher=MINDEF |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107112723/https://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/mar/02mar11_nr3/02mar11_speech/02mar11_fs1.html |archive-date=7 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-inaugurates-heron-1-uav-372268/ |title=Singapore Inaugurates Heron 1 UAV |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date=2012-05-24 |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527114359/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-inaugurates-heron-1-uav-372268/ |archive-date=27 May 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] – 2
{{TUR}}
* [[Turkish Air Force]] – 10
{{USA}}
* [[United States Navy]] – 2<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/06/15/327986/paris-air-show-heron-sees-frontline-el-salvador-anti-drugs.html |title=PARIS AIR SHOW: Heron sees frontline El Salvador anti-drugs fight |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date=2009-06-15 |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225220901/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/06/15/327986/paris-air-show-heron-sees-frontline-el-salvador-anti-drugs.html |archive-date=25 February 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{VIE}}
* [[Vietnam People's Navy]] – 3 on order as of 2018

===Former operators===
{{AUS}}
* [[Royal Australian Air Force]] – 2, retired in 2017<ref name="RAAF Heron retire"/>

==Specifications==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Heron/Shoval/Eitan<ref name=isweap>{{cite web |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/uav/heron/heron.html |title=Heron/Shoval/Eitan |publisher=Israeli-weapons.com |access-date=2012-11-18 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114155709/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/uav/heron/Heron.html |archive-date=14 November 2012}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|capacity={{cvt|250|kg|0}}
|length m=8.5
|length note=
|span m=16.6
|span note=
|height m=
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=IAI SA-21<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=1150
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Rotax 914]]
|eng1 type=4-cylinder air and water cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine
|eng1 kw=86
|prop blade number=3
|prop name=pusher propeller
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=207
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=52 hours<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/features/feature65494/ |title=UAVs at the Forefront of Future Warfare |date=5 October 2009 |publisher=Airforce Technology |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830103252/http://www.airforce-technology.com/features/feature65494/ |archive-date=30 August 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|ceiling m=10000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=2.5
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=89
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|more performance=<!--</br>
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Take-off run to {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing run from {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}-->

|avionics=
}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{Aircontent|
|related=
* [[IAI Eitan]]
* [[EADS Harfang]]
* [[Avionics Services Caçador]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[General Atomics MQ-1 Predator]]
* [[DRDO Rustom]]
* [[IAIO Fotros]]
* [[TAI Anka]]
}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|IAI Heron}}
* [http://www.iai.co.il/2013/18900-16382-en/IAI.aspx IAI Heron Official page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090207024537/http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/Heron-UAV.htm IAI Heron Update]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060303232459/http://www.defense-update.com/features/du-2-05/uav-4.htm MALE UAV Applications]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051224115649/http://www.defense-update.com/features/du-2-05/feature-sensor.htm UAV Sensor applications]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051124214349/http://www.defense-update.com/features/du-2-05/EO-sensors.htm EO Sensors for UAVs]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060213134523/http://www.defense-update.com/features/du-2-05/SAR-list.htm SAR sensors for UAVs]
* [http://www.defencetalk.com/tag/heron/ Heron UAV News] at DefenceTalk

{{IAI aircraft}}
{{Canadian Forces aircraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Iai Heron}}
[[Category:1990s Israeli military reconnaissance aircraft]]
[[Category:IAI unmanned aerial vehicles|Heron]]
[[Category:Twin-boom aircraft]]
[[Category:Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles]]
[[Category:Single-engined pusher aircraft]]