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.
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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.
