The German Air Force has resumed initial flight tests of its Heron 1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Afghanistan, after a taxiing accident in March.
The trial will verify Heron’s performance requirements and enhance the operators’ experience of the planned operational procedures.
Once the trials are complete, the system will begin regular intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) duty with ISAF troops in northern Afghanistan.
Equipped with a high-resolution, pivotable infrared TV camera, the UAV will provide real-time video and photo data to support tactical operations of ISAR troops in northern Afghanistan.
The German Federal Defence Force (Bundeswehr) leased three Heron 1 systems and four ground stations from Israel’s IAI for an initial one-year period with an option for a two-year extension.
Heron UAV flight tests were suspended in March after a taxiing Heron collided with a parking C-160 transport aircraft.
