Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is set to introduce the Heron TP-XP medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the upcoming Aero India show in Bangalore, India.
The Heron TP-XP is said to be the export version of the Heron TP, which the Israel Air Force has been operating since 2010.
IAI military aircraft division general manager and vice-president Shaul Shahar said: “The Heron TP-XP allows air supremacy at a different level than currently exists in India, with an emphasis on double flight speed, high-altitude and enhanced payload capability.
"This system is the latest derivative of the Heron TP, considered to be one of the world's leading UAVs.
“The possibility of offering the Heron TP-XP opens up additional opportunities by allowing us to expand the range of solutions we can offer to our clients."
The Heron TP-XP combines multitasking and multi-payload strategic air superiority to perform a variety of strategic missions under extreme weather conditions.
The long-range aircraft features automatic taxi-take-off and landing (ATOL) systems and triple redundancy for maximal safety and reliability, IAI stated.
With a 14m length and 26m wingspan, the aircraft is claimed to have the capability to fly for more than 30 hours until it runs out of fuel.
Powered by a 1,200hp PT6 Turbo Prop engine, the aircraft can fly at an altitude of up to 45,000ft.
The 11th edition of Aero India show will begin on today and continue through to 18 February this year.
Image: The Heron TP-XP. Photo: courtesy of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
